A new diabetes pill lowered blood sugar and body weight more than oral semaglutide, but the convenience came with a harder trade-off

Published On: August 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Orforglipron oral GLP-1 pill developed by Eli Lilly for adults with type 2 diabetes.

The pill called orforglipron showed that it can lower blood sugar and body weight much more than oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes.

A recent study compared orforglipron with oral semaglutide at 7 and 14 milligrams, not with a weekly semaglutide injection. Also this new option can be taken at any time without the need to plan around meals or water.

How the pill works

GLP-1 is a hormone released after eating that sends a signal to the brain that the body has enough food. The digestion slows down and the pancreas releases insulin. That explains why medications that imitate this effect are so effective for the control of diabetes and for weight loss.

Developed by Eli Lilly, orforglipron is a small synthetic molecule that activates the GLP-1 receptor. The difference with the oral semaglutide is that the orforglipron can be swallowed at any time of the day, with or without food.

What the trial found

The study that united 1,698 adults gave participants different doses of orforglipron or oral semaglutide, while researchers measured the A1C. This is a blood test that reflects the average of glucose during approx 3 months.

ACHIEVE-3 trial results comparing orforglipron with oral semaglutide for weight loss and A1C reduction. — Eli Lilly’s ACHIEVE-3 results show greater reductions in body weight and A1C with the highest tested dose of orforglipron than with oral semaglutide 14 mg after 52 weeks.

Participants lost an average of 19.7 pounds, versus 11 pounds with oral semaglutide.

Convenience has a cost

The pill is very practical. It does not need refrigeration or a specific waiting period before breakfast.

On the other hand, the trial shows that this treatment has a weakness. Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, and extreme reductions of appetite were common. Almost 10 percent of those taking orforglipron decided to stop the treatment because of side effects.

Where it stands now

The FDA approved orforglipron under the brand Foundayo on April 1, 2026, for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or adults with overweight and at least one weight-related condition.

The U.S. prescribing information includes warnings related to acute pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal reactions, kidney injury from dehydration, and possible thyroid tumors. Anyone considering GLP-1 medication needs to consult a doctor to evaluate the benefits taking into account their personal medical history.

The main study was published in The Lancet.

Adrian Villellas

Adrián Villellas is a computer engineer and entrepreneur in the fields of digital marketing and advertising technology. He has led projects in data analysis, sustainable advertising, and solutions for new audiences. He also contributes to scientific initiatives related to astronomy and space observation. He writes for science, technology, and environmental media outlets, where he makes complex topics and innovative advances accessible to a broad audience.

A new diabetes pill lowered blood sugar and body weight more than oral semaglutide, but the convenience came with a harder trade-off

How the pill works

What the trial found

Convenience has a cost

Where it stands now

Adrian Villellas

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A new diabetes pill lowered blood sugar and body weight more than oral semaglutide, but the convenience came with a harder trade-off

How the pill works

What the trial found

Convenience has a cost

Where it stands now

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