New GLP-1 Pill From Eli Lilly Beats Wegovy in Early Trials — Could Become the Best Oral Option (2026)

A new oral GLP-1 weight loss medication from Eli Lilly could offer patients a more effective alternative to the newly approved Wegovy pill, according to Phase 3 trial results published in The Guardian.

The investigational drug, called orforglipron, helped patients with type 2 diabetes lose 6-8% of their body weight over 12 months—significantly better than the 4-5% weight loss seen with oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) in the same trial.

How Orforglipron Works

Orforglipron is a daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist that works similarly to injectable medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. It targets the same GLP-1 receptors, lowering blood sugar levels, slowing digestion, and suppressing appetite.

However, unlike oral semaglutide (Rybelsus), which must be taken on an empty stomach with water and patients must wait 30 minutes before eating, orforglipron does not have these restrictions—a major convenience advantage that could improve patient adherence.

The Achieve-3 Trial

The Phase 3 Achieve-3 trial, funded by Eli Lilly, studied more than 1,500 adults with type 2 diabetes from 131 medical research centers and hospitals across Argentina, China, Japan, Mexico, and the United States.

Participants received either 12mg or 36mg of orforglipron, or 7mg or 14mg of oral semaglutide, over the course of a year. Results showed:

• Orforglipron 12mg: 6% average weight loss
• Orforglipron 36mg: 8% average weight loss
• Oral semaglutide 7mg: 4% average weight loss
• Oral semaglutide 14mg: 5% average weight loss

In addition to greater weight loss, participants taking orforglipron also recorded lower average blood sugar levels at the end of the trial than those taking oral semaglutide.

Side Effects and Disadvantages

However, the trial also noted higher discontinuation rates in the orforglipron groups. About 9-10% of participants stopped treatment due to side effects—mainly gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting—compared with 4-5% in the oral semaglutide groups.

What This Means for Patients

Orforglipron has not yet been approved by regulators in the US, UK, or Europe. The FDA is currently reviewing the drug for approval.

If approved, orforglipron could become a significant competitor to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide), offering potentially better weight loss results and more convenient dosing. Experts believe oral GLP-1 medications could prove transformative because they are easier to take and store, and may ultimately be cheaper than injectable alternatives.

For patients currently considering GLP-1 treatment, the options are expanding rapidly. Beyond injectables like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, patients now have oral alternatives—including the newly approved Wegovy pill and, potentially soon, orforglipron.

As always, patients should discuss medication options with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach for their individual needs and health status.