Not too long ago I wrote a post for DrGOpines.com introducing readers to a new oral formulation of a GLP-1 RA called orforglipron. It is prescribed for weight loss and the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. The study referenced in the article compared this new oral GLP-1 to injectable formulations and found they were similar in their outcomes. Patients lost a comparable amount of weight on both, and in diabetics, achieved the same degree of control. Comparing orforglipron to placebo, patients on drug lost 6 times more weight than those on placebo.
Now, there is information on the comparison of orforglipron to a new oral formulation of semaglutide. Orforglipron and semaglutide were both available in two strengths. Orforglipron is dosed once daily. In the study quoted in my reference, both strengths of orforglipron “outperformed both doses of semaglutide.” The measures used to compare the two drugs were: HbA1c—orforglipron -1.91%, semaglutide -1.47%
Weight loss—orforglipron patients lost 4.3% more weight
Adverse effects were mild to moderate, mostly gastrointestinal, and of similar freq.
The authors concluded that “orforglipron represents a potential new therapeutic option for individuals with T2D considering initiation of GLP-1 RA therapy who prefer an alternative to injectable route of administration….Hopefully, this will become a new affordable and convenient option for people living with T2D and/or obesity.”
Dr. G’s Opinion: If oral GLP-1’s, like orforglipron, are as effective as the subcutaneous injectable formulations, there’s no debate about which preparation patients will prefer. These drugs will be the biggest thing to happen in medicine since statins.
Reference: Yasgur BS. New Oral GLP-1 Beats Oral Semaglutide for A1c, Weight Loss. Medscape 2026 March 3.
