5 things to know about the next generation of obesity pills

Millions of people use injectable drugs like Wegovy to manage weight, but weekly injections aren’t ideal for everyone or every budget. That’s why new experimental pills that may deliver similar results are attracting attention. While these medicines have not yet received FDA approval, the first could be cleared by the end of the year,rewrite in 390 words Npr.

“The patient community in the obesity space has gone without treatment for so long,” says Tracy Zvenyach, director of policy strategy at the nonprofit Obesity Action Coalition. “New treatments for this chronic disease are welcome and exciting.” The coalition receives funding from companies including Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer.

Two pills are on the horizon

Novo Nordisk’s upcoming pill contains semaglutide, the same ingredient in Wegovy, Ozempic, and the diabetes pill Rybelsus. The difference is a higher dose of semaglutide. Eli Lilly is developing an oral obesity pill called orforglipron, which uses a different ingredient than its injectable Mounjaro and Zepbound drugs.

Daily dosing vs. weekly injections

These pills are taken daily, unlike weekly injectables. Novo Nordisk developed a protective ingredient, SNAC, to help semaglutide survive stomach acids for 30 minutes while being absorbed. Eli Lilly’s orforglipron is less sensitive to digestion and can be taken without food or water restrictions.

Effectiveness and side effects

In trials, a 25 mg semaglutide pill led to a 16.6% average weight reduction over 64 weeks—comparable to Wegovy. Orforglipron achieved 12.4% over 72 weeks, slightly less than current injectables. Both share side effects like nausea and diarrhea.

Cost considerations

Oral pills are generally cheaper to produce, and companies hope they will be more affordable than injectable drugs, which can cost over $1,000 per month. Under recent agreements, oral versions could sell for $149 monthly if approved, far less than injectables. Insurance coverage could further reduce costs.

FDA approval and future developments

Novo Nordisk’s pill may be approved by year-end, while Eli Lilly plans to submit orforglipron for priority review. Both companies are also developing next-generation drugs, including combinations with semaglutide and compounds like cagrilintide and retatrutide. Pfizer has acquired Metsera, which has additional obesity treatments in early development.