Federal regulators have approved Eli Lilly’s new weight-loss pill, orforglipron, also known as Foundayo. This is a significant development in the fight against obesity. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expedited its approval, reviewing the application in just 50 days.
Orforglipron is part of a group called GLP-1 medications, which mimic a natural hormone that helps control hunger and fullness. This drug offers a convenient oral option, unlike other popular obesity treatments that require injections.
Starting Monday, people with insurance can get this medication for as little as $25 per month, thanks to a Lilly discount card. Without insurance, prices range from $149 to $349 monthly, depending on how much of the drug is prescribed.
In clinical trials with over 3,000 participants, those on the highest dose of orforglipron lost about 11.2% of their body weight—around 25 pounds—over 16 months. For comparison, people taking a placebo lost only 2.1%.
Although orforglipron’s weight loss results are lower than some injectable alternatives, such as Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, the oral pill eliminates the need for strict timing and administration rules. While Wegovy requires a specific routine for dosing, orforglipron can be taken at any time, making it more user-friendly.
Users of orforglipron also noticed improvements in waist size, blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. However, gastrointestinal side effects were common, leading 5% to 10% of participants to stop taking the medication, compared to about 3% in the placebo group.
Recent surveys show that about 1 in 8 people in the U.S. have used injectable GLP-1 medications for weight loss or diabetes management. However, many find these shots too expensive. Efforts by the Biden administration aim to reduce costs for these treatments, which could make medications like orforglipron more accessible.
As the market for weight-loss drugs grows, the approval of Foundayo represents a significant step forward. Stocks for Eli Lilly increased by more than 4% following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about the drug’s potential impact.
For more detailed information on the clinical and social aspects of obesity treatments, you can refer to the KFF survey and recent studies from reputable health sources.
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