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A Pill Instead of Injections: What is Known About Eli Lilly's New Weight Loss Drug
Last reviewed: 09.08.2025
Lilly is testing orforglyprone, an oral (tablet) GLP-1 drug. In a large study (3,127 adults), the highest dose resulted in an average loss of 27.3 pounds (≈12.4% of body weight) over 72 weeks. The company plans to submit an application to the FDA for approval for the treatment of obesity by the end of the year.
What is interesting about this pill?
- Not an injection, but a pill. It is easier to produce, store and scale than injectable drugs (Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro). Pills do not require a “cold chain” - an important plus for countries with limited logistics.
- Same class as "injections". GLP-1 drugs reduce appetite, slow down stomach emptying and help you feel full longer - due to this, weight is reduced.
- Side effects are expected. Mainly gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea/constipation, heartburn. The profile is similar to injection analogues.
What did the latest research show?
- Design: Randomized, placebo-controlled; 3 doses of orforglyprone tested.
- Weight Result (Max Dose): -27.3 lbs (≈12.4%) at 72 weeks.
- Additionally, lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides) and blood pressure improved.
- Safety: well tolerated; side effects are similar to other GLP-1s.
- In type 2 diabetes: In a separate study, the drug reduced sugar and weight comparable to Ozempic.
How does this look against the backdrop of “injections”?
There are no direct head-to-head comparisons yet. For reference, here are some other works:
- Zepbound (tirzepatide): approximately -20.2% at 72 weeks.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): about -13.2% at 72 weeks.
Experts suggest that the pill may be slightly weaker than the most powerful injections, but significantly more accessible - and this could have a greater overall effect at the population level.
What is still unknown?
- Price: Lilly will announce later, closer to the FDA's decision.
- Head-to-head comparison with Wegovy/Zepbound.
- Long-term reality: What will weight maintenance be like in 2-3 years? How often will the dose need to be adjusted?
- Indications and insurance. Application for obesity - this year; for diabetes - approximately 2026.
For whom could this be a breakthrough?
- People who find it difficult/unpleasant to give injections.
- Patients and healthcare systems where cold storage and reliable supply of injectables are difficult to achieve.
- Those who need a scalable option with the familiar “once a day” tablet format.
Briefly: questions and answers
Is this a “magic pill”? No. It’s another weight and metabolism management tool. It works as long as you take it, and works best when combined with diet and activity changes.
Are the side effects serious? As a rule, gastrointestinal symptoms are moderate and similar to injectable GLP-1. But individual tolerance varies - discuss with your doctor.
When will it be possible to buy? If everything goes according to the company's plan, after the FDA's decision on obesity (the application is submitted before the end of the year). The timing depends on the regulator.
Summary
Orforglypron looks like a truly mass-market alternative to injections: noticeable weight loss, improved metabolic parameters, and a format that is easier to manufacture and deliver. Potency may be inferior to the “heavy artillery” of injections — but availability may outweigh this in real life. The decisive answers will be price, FDA approval, and direct comparisons with current leaders.