A new daily pill called orforglipron could help people maintain weight loss after ending obesity injections, according to recent research. The tablet is already available in the US and may soon be launched in the UK. This development offers a potential alternative for patients who want to avoid regaining weight after stopping GLP-1 injections, a common challenge in obesity treatment.
Study Findings on Orforglipron
The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine and funded by Eli Lilly, involved 376 participants in the US who had been on GLP-1 injections—specifically tirzepatide (Mounjaro) or semaglutide (Wegovy)—for over a year and had successfully lost weight. Participants were asked to stop the injections and were then given either orforglipron or a placebo pill daily for one year without knowing which they were taking.
Results showed that those taking orforglipron maintained more than 70% of their previous weight loss, while the placebo group maintained only 38-50%. This suggests that orforglipron may significantly reduce the risk of weight regain after ending obesity injections.
How Orforglipron Works and Its Potential Benefits
Orforglipron works similarly to obesity injections by mimicking a natural hormone that reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness. This mechanism helps patients control their weight more effectively. In the US, the pill costs around $149 per month for the lowest dose, which is considerably less expensive than some GLP-1 injections that can cost over $1,000 per month.
Experts note that swallowing a pill might be more appealing to patients than self-injecting. However, more research is needed to determine how long patients might need to stay on orforglipron, with some suggesting treatment could be life-long.
Expert Opinions and Future Considerations
Dr. Marie Spreckley from the University of Cambridge highlighted that obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that often requires ongoing treatment and support. She emphasized the importance of understanding the long-term durability of orforglipron’s effects.
Dr. Simon Cork from Anglia Ruskin University described the study as “really important” because it addresses the issue of weight rebound after stopping injectable GLP-1 medications. He also noted that patients taking orforglipron maintained improvements in blood pressure, lipid levels, and blood glucose, which could help reduce long-term health risks associated with obesity, such as heart disease.
While orforglipron’s UK launch date and pricing remain unknown, its availability as a daily pill offers a promising option for those managing weight after ending obesity injections.