Orforglipron: what to know about this new oral GLP-1 for weight loss

Weight loss medications are a-plenty. But weight loss pills that offer benefits similar to injectable GLP-1 drugs? They’re officially hitting the market, with one promising option called orforglipron (pronounced or-FOR-glip-ron) now approved.

Orforglipron is an oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss developed by Eli Lilly. (Yes, the same company that makes slim-down superstar, Zepbound.) And on April 1, 2026, it received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the brand name Foundayo. 

So, there’s no better time than the present to get to know orforglipron, how it works, its potential side effects, and more.  

Orforglipron is a new oral GLP-1 medication that was approved by the FDA for weight loss on April 1, 2026, under the brand name Foundayo. It’s developed by Eli Lilly.

Key details to know about this next-gen GLP-1 receptor agonist:

• It’s a once-daily pill that doesn’t require any fasting. The current GLP-1 pill option, oral semaglutide (the Wegovy pill or Rybelsus), must be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, followed by a 30-minute wait before any other pills, food, or drinks. 

• The brand name is Foundayo. Orforglipron received FDA approval as brand-name Foundayo in early April 2026. It's available in six dosage strengths: 0.8 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg, and 17.2 mg tablets.

• Orforglipron is not a peptide. Most GLP-1 medications are peptides that are easily damaged by digestive enzymes and poorly absorbed in the gut. As such, the injection route works better for current GLP-1 drugs. Orforglipron is a non-peptide. Its molecular structure allows it to stay more stable and better absorbed through the gut.  

• Results from Lilly’s studies have shown that orforglipron can lead to major improvements in both blood sugar and weight. Research thus far has been done in adults with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar remains high despite lifestyle changes and adults with obesity or overweight who do not have diabetes 

See if you qualify

On April 1, 2026, the FDA approved orforglirpon under the brand name Foundayo to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in:

• Adults with obesity

• Adults with overweight and at least one weight-related medical condition

Like other GLP-1s for weight loss, orforglipron is also indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. 

The orforglipron pill generally works the same way as other GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide. These drugs mimic a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to help regulate blood sugar levels, digestion, and appetite. 

When orforglipron attaches to GLP-1 receptors, it:

• Increases insulin secretion to keep blood sugar steady.

• Slows stomach emptying so food stays in your stomach longer, helping you feel full sooner and longer after eating. 

• Reduces appetite so you feel less hungry and consume fewer calories to support weight loss.

Clinical studies suggest that orforglipron can significantly improve both weight loss and blood sugar control in adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes. 

Weight loss: 

• In a phase 2 clinical trial, adults with overweight or obesity lost an average of 9.4%–14.7% of their starting weight after 36 weeks of taking orforglipron. Those who took a placebo lost just 2.3% of their body weight.  

• In a phase 3 ATTAIN-1 trial, adults who took orforglipron for 72 weeks lost an average of 7.5%–11.2%. The placebo group had merely a 2% average weight loss.

• In the phase 3 ATTAIN-2 trial, adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes who took orforglipron lost an average of 5.1%–9.6% over 72 weeks, compared to 2.5% in those who took a placebo.

Type 2 diabetes (though it's not yet approved for this use):

• In the phase 3 ACHIEVE-1 trial, adults with “early” type 2 diabetes who took orforglipron experienced a drop in their A1C from 8% to 6.5%–6.7% after 40 weeks. (FYI, participants were not on any other diabetes medications at the start of the trial.)

• Participants also had an average weight loss of 4.5%–7.6% over the same period, with those who took higher doses experiencing the higher end of the range of weight loss. 

• In the phase 3 ACHIEVE-3 trial, adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by metformin were randomized to receive orforglipron or oral semaglutide (7 mg and 14 mg, doses approved for type 2 diabetes). Orforglipron improved A1C more than oral semaglutide, with an A1C drop of 1.71%–1.91% compared to 1.23%–1.47%. 

Common orforglipron side effects reported in trials are similar to other GLP-1 drugs and mainly affect the digestive system. They include:

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Burping (eructation)

• Indigestion (dyspepsia)

• Stomach pain

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Reflux

• Flatulence (gas)

• Hair loss

As with other GLP-1s, more serious side effects are possible, such as an inflamed pancreas or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). 

Orforglipron is processed through the liver, so it can interact with other medications that affect the liver. If medications block liver enzymes (proteins), then there is a higher chance of orforglipron side effects. And on the other hand, some medications enhance liver enzymes, causing orforglipron to potentially be less effective. 

Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help determine whether you take medications that interact with orforglipron. So make sure to show them a list of all the medications and supplements you take.

• You may need a lower dose of orforglipron when taking medications that block liver enzymes.

• You may need a higher dose or orforglipron when taking medications that enhance liver enzymes.

If you take simvastatin (a cholesterol medication), you should not take a dose higher than 20 mg once daily while taking orforglipron. Other precautions include risks of allergic reactions, gallbladder disease, and eye problems (retinopathy) if you have type 2 diabetes.

If you take other diabetes medications — like insulin or pills that lower blood sugar — your healthcare provider may need to adjust your doses if you start orforglipron. 

As with other GLP-1 medications, orforglipron is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of thyroid tumors or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). 

Additionally, there’s not enough data to determine whether orforglipron is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The medication label states that it shouldn’t be used in pregnancy, and that females using oral contraceptives should switch to a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method of contraception for 30 days after initiation and for 30 days after each dose increase.

Orforglipron is currently available for weight loss as brand-name Foundayo on Ro and LillyDirect, the manufacturer’s direct-to-patient program.  

As of February 2026, Lilly plans to submit for orforglipron for type 2 diabetes sometime in 2026.

Without insurance, orforglipron costs $149–$299* per month, depending on dose, on Ro. 

Here’s a breakdown of the self-pay or cash prices for orforglipron:

*To get the $299 price for the 14.5 mg and 17.2 mg doses of Foundayo, you must refill your prescription within 45 days of your previous fill. If you miss this window, the price of the specific doses increases to $349 per month. 

With insurance, orforglipron can cost $25–$349 per month. How much you may pay for orforglipron (if prescribed brand-name Foundayo) depends on your insurance plan and eligibility for Lilly’s Foundayo Savings Card:

• If you have a commercial insurance plan that covers Foundayo, you can pay as little as $25 per month. The card offers a maximum savings of $100 off a one-month Rx, $200 off a two-month Rx, and $300 off a three-month Rx, and can be used for up to 10 fills per year.

• If your plan does not cover Foundayo, the card caps your cost at $149 for the starting dose, $199 for 2.5 mg, and $299–$349 for the higher doses. 

The Foundayo Savings Card can only be used by those with commercial insurance plans that cover the drug or who pay cash. People with health insurance through a government-funded plan, such as Medicare or Medicaid, aren’t eligible.

Eligible Medicare Part D patients may be able to get Foundayo for $50 per month starting in July 2026, according to Lilly.

Get started

So, how does orforglipron compare to other injectable weight loss medications, such as fellow GLP-1s semaglutide (Wegovy) and dual GLP-1/GIP medications like tirzepatide (Zepbound)? 

First, quick refresher on orforglipron:

• It's FDA-approved for weight loss and management in adults with obesity or adults with overweight and at least one weight-related condition. 

• It is the only GLP-1 pill for weight loss that can be taken at any time, with or without food. 

• It's available in the US in six dosage strengths, ranging from 0.8 mg to 17.2 mg.

• It activates GLP-1 receptors to lower blood sugar levels, slow how fast food moves through the digestive system, and curb appetite.

In comparison:

• Semaglutide is a GLP-1 like orforglipron. It’s FDA-approved for weight loss and management as a once-weekly injection (Wegovy) and a once-daily tablet (Wegovy pill).

• Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection that’s FDA-approved for weight loss and chronic weight management under the brand name Zepbound.  It’s a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1.

How do average weight loss results compare? While real-life experience can vary, here’s what clinical trial results have found:

• Orforglipron: Phase 3 obesity trials in people without diabetes show up to 11% weight loss after 72 weeks when taking the highest dosage studied.

• Semaglutide (Wegovy pill): An OASIS 4 phase 3 clinical trial found 13.6% average weight loss after 64 weeks in adults with obesity or overweight (without diabetes) taking 25 mg of oral Wegovy daily.  

• Semaglutide (Wegovy): STEP studies found 15% average weight loss after 68 weeks in adults with obesity or overweight (without diabetes) with a weight-related health condition.

• Tirzepatide (Zepbound): SURMOUNT-1/-2 trials show 15%–22% average weight loss at 72 weeks, depending on dose and whether participants had diabetes.

Keep in mind that the best way to compare medications is a head-to-head clinical trial. That’s because different trial results can vary significantly depending on the participants, the study design, the study duration, and the outcomes measured. 

*To get the $299 price for the 14.5 mg and 17.2 mg doses of Foundayo, you must refill your prescription within 45 days of your previous fill. If you miss this window, the price of the specific doses increases to $349 per month. 

Orforglipron is a next-generation oral GLP-1 that could help many people reach and maintain their health goals, particularly in terms of weight and blood sugar. Here’s a recap of what we’ve covered:

• Orforglipron is a daily oral GLP-1 medication made by Eli Lilly that was approved by the FDA for weight loss and management under the brand name Foundayo in April 2026. 

• It's available in the US in six dosage strengths ranging from 0.8 mg to 17.2 mg. 

• Upon being approved, orforglipron became the only GLP-1 pill on the market that can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. 

• Research thus far shows strong benefits for weight loss and blood sugar control — similar to injectable GLP-1s, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide.