Orforglipron tablet

Orfloglipron is an investigational medication currently being studied for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. As with most other weight loss medications, it is a GLP-1 agonist designed to help people lose weight and lower blood sugar levels.

Available as an oral pill, in clinical trials orforglipron was taken once daily - a contrast to the once weekly injections such as Mounjaro or Wegovy.

As it is still being studied, it is not yet licensed or available to buy in the UK or anywhere else around the world. You can sign up for updates by filling out the form above.

Orforglipron at a glance

This information can change once the official UK summary of product characteristics (SmPC) is released by the MHRA. Please note this is not personal medical advice. In your weight loss journey, you should seek tailored advice and guidance from your qualified healthcare provider, such as the clinicians at Quick Meds.

At Quick Meds, our team is qualified to answer any questions you may have about your weight loss medication, how to safely lose weight and offer advice on Orforglipron when it becomes available.

What is Orforglipron?

Orforglipron is the newest GLP-1 medication currently being investigated for obesity and blood sugar control in adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Unlike Wegovy, Mounjaro or Ozempic, this exists as a small molecule tablet rather than a peptide injection, as mentioned in the New England Journal of medicine. As a tablet, it is relatively easier to manufacture, potentially making it more accessible and affordable, compared to injectable forms.

Eli Lilly is currently developing Orforglipron, the same company that manufactures Mounjaro (Tirzepatide). It is being investigated to support weight management and control blood sugar in adults. (not in children or adolescents)

How does Orforglipron work?

GLP-1 medications, mimic the action of a natural hormone - GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide-1). In doing so, it can help release insulin and reduce glucagon, helping to control blood sugar levels. It also slows stomach emptying and increases feelings of fullness after eating - reducing food intake, appetite and hunger, helping to lose weight.

Orforglipron is being developed as a once-daily tablet, rather than an injectable pen and whilst early clinical trials suggest similar effects, more research is needed, including full long-term safety data. The exact benefits, risks and dosing will only be confirmed once the medicine is formally reviewed and licensed.

Like current GLP-1 medicines, Orforglipron must be used alongside lifestyle changes. These include a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity - it is not a standalone solution.

Orforglipron has been subject to multiple clinical trials, showing promise in phase 2 and phase 3 trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

In phase 2 studies, adults taking a daily dose for 36 weeks lost significant weight - up to 15% loss compared to just 2% with those in the placebo group. Up to 75% of the patients in the orforglipron group also achieved at least 10% weight loss (compared to only 9% in the placebo group)

It also lead to a reduction of up to 10cm in waist circumference as well as improvements in cardiovascular markers. Systolic blood pressure as well as changes in blood cholesterol levels were observed.

In phase 3 studies, it again showed promise with significant weight loss observed over 72 weeks in a larger patient group (over 3000 participants). A mean reduction of up to 12% of body weight was observed in those taking the highest dose compared to only 2% reduction with placebo.

Additionally, more than half the patients taking the maximum dose (36mg) observed a weight reduction over 10%. Waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels all also improved.

Another trial assessed the drugs effectiveness in patients with diabetes. This trial assessed individuals who had an elevated blood sugar level but were only treated with diet and exercise. The trial demonstrated Orforglipron reduced blood sugars significantly, compared to placebo.

Importantly, results from trials reflect average outcomes - individual results can vary. Some people lost more weight, others lost less. With a promising drug like Orforglipron, the importance of healthy lifestyle adjustments cannot be understated.

Who might Orforglipron be suitable for if it is approved?

The final eligibility criteria will depend on the MHRA licencing and NICE guidelines. The MHRA or medicines healthcare products regulatory agency are responsible for ensuring medicines meet the standards for safety, quality and work the way expected. NICE (or the national institute for health and care excellence) provides guidelines on prescribing.

Based on current guidance for other treatments, people who may be considered for Orforglipron treatment include those

• With a BMI of 30 or more

• With a BMI of 27 or more with one weight-related medical condition

Requests for treatment must be assessed individually, ensuring safety and appropriateness. Orforglipron is not suitable for everyone and there will be clear medical exclusions once the official guidance is released.

Current weight loss injections remain available and will continue to be used where they are the best clinical option for a patient.

If you are interested in Orforglipron, you can register your interest HERE . At Quick Meds, a clinician will assess your details and confirm eligibility if and when the medicine becomes available in the UK.

How will Orforglipron be taken?

Orforglipron is designed to be taken as a once daily tablet, taken roughly at the same time every day. Patients should never change the dose, stop or restart treatment without medical advice.

The final dosing schedule may change once the medicine is licensed but it is expected to follow the pattern based on trials data:

• Start at a low dose, which is gradually increased, similar to how other treatments are prescribed.

• Switching to a maintenance dose once your body has adjusted.

Orforglipron vs Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro is a medication already licensed and available in the UK, whilst Orforglipron is still undergoing clinical testing. It is expected Orforglipron will be taken as a once daily tablet whereas Mounjaro exists as an injection administered once weekly.

Data from trials shows Orforglipron leads to a weight loss of up to 15% over 36 weeks compared to Mounjaro which led to a loss of 16%. However, the trials for individual drugs have different designs, populations and durations. This means they cannot be directly compared but provide a rough idea of how much weight loss each medication can help achieve.

Both medicines work in a similar way and can have similar side effects. Most common side effects are nausea, and mild stomach discomfort.

Mounjaro also carries warnings and contraindications - patients with certain thyroid cancers or a history of pancreatitis may not be eligible for treatment. Whilst Orforglipron is not yet licensed, it is not yet known if it will also carry the same contraindications, though this is expected as both work in a similar way.

Orforglipron vs Wegovy (Semaglutide injection)

Wegovy is another medication already licensed in the UK. As with Mounjaro, it is also a once weekly injection. Data suggests Wegovy may lead to greater weight loss.

Again, the trials for both drugs have different designs and lengths so should not be directly compared. Wegovy, like Mounjaro is already approved for weight loss though patients may prefer Orforglipron as it offers a more convenient dosage form. This aids those with a needle phobia.

Orforglipron vs oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus) and other tablets

Rybelsus is a GLP-1 medication containing the same active ingredient as Wegovy - Semaglutide. This is licensed only for use in type-2 diabetes however and not for weight management. Additionally, it must be taken on an empty stomach with strict fasting rules to ensure adequate absorption.

Whilst both are once daily pills, Orforglipron offers an advantage in that it can be administered without food restrictions. As it is still awaiting regulatory approval, this may be subject to change.

Compared to older weight loss options such as Orlistat and Mysimba, Orforglipron may offer greater weight-loss potential with less severe side effects. Whilst older treatments vary in effectiveness, Orforglipron provides a newer, more convenient option. As it is still under regulatory review, its full safety profile has not yet been established.

Is Orforglipron available in the UK yet?

Orforglipron is not yet licensed in the UK or any other country and therefore cannot be prescribed or supplied at this time.

Phase 3 trials have shown positive results for weight loss and blood sugar control. Eli Lilly has started the process to submit Orforglipron for regulatory approval with a possible UK launch around 2026, though the timeline may change.

Quick Meds is expecting to offer this to all eligible patients once it has attained full regulatory approval. This means once the MHRA has licensed the treatment and when NICE has issued clear guidance on safe prescribing.

How will Orforglipron be prescribed at Quick Meds once available?

As a prescription only medication, Orforglipron will be supplied through our online clinic following an initial consultation form. This covers your current health, your weight and medical history. The responses to this will be assessed by a prescriber who will make the clinical decision to prescribe the treatment if appropriate.

The treatment would only be issued if the prescribers are happy the benefits of the treatment outweigh any risks, and will not be prescribed solely for cosmetic weight loss. As is the case with Wegovy and Mounjaro, the dose would be initiated at the starting dose which is adjusted according to response and tolerance.

As part of the consultation process, the prescribing team will take steps to verify your weight and may require additional information to facilitate this. At Quick Meds, we do not offer treatments on a subscription basis. This allows us to interact with our patients at the point of requesting an additional supply to ensure there are no side effects and to allow with dose adjustments.

Possible benefits of Orforglipron for weight loss and health

Clinical trial data suggests several benefits of taking the treatment for obesity or type 2 diabetes:

1. Meaningful weight loss - participants taking higher doses in trials lost a significant amount of their starting body weight on average.

2. Improved blood sugar levels- participants with diabetes showed more controlled blood sugar levels

3. Cardiovascular benefits - some trials linked Orforglipron to a reduction of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and improving heart health.

Alongside these, weight loss can also help improve overall quality of life through reducing the risk of common cancers, less strain from chronic back and joint pain and improving sleep.

Orforglipron compares positively to other weight loss treatment options as it offers a more favourable dosage form - a tablet rather than injection.

Risks and side effects of Orforglipron

As with all medicines, Orforglipron can cause side effects. Data from clinical studies highlights nausea, constipation, vomiting and diarrhoea as the most common. Most of these were mild to moderate and occurred at initiation or when the dose was increased. The side effects go away on their own as the body adjusts to treatment.

Orforglipron belongs to the GLP-1 medication group and though final safety data has not been confirmed, it is expected to be associated with similar side effects and cautions as licensed treatments.

As with other GLP-1 receptor agonists, less common but severe side effects can include pancreatitis, gallstones and possible effects on kidney function - particularly if dehydrated. If used alongside other drugs affecting blood sugar levels, it may lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).

Who should not take Orforglipron?

Final contraindications and safety guidance will be included in the UK product information once the medicine is licensed. Until then, Orforglipron is expected to not be suitable for:

• People with a history of serious allergic reactions to any ingredient within the medicine.

• People with severe digestive conditions or severe liver or kidney disease

• People with a history of pancreatitis.

Generally, no weight loss medicine is approved for use by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. It is expected Orforglipron will follow similar guidance.

It is important when requesting any medication that you share your full medical history and complete list of current medication. This allows prescribers to make a more accurate clinical assessment, ensuring treatment is safe and appropriate for you.

How to support your weight loss while taking Orforglipron

As with other GLP-1 receptor agonists, Orforglipron works best when used alongside a healthy weight management plan. This includes a reduced calorie, balanced diet and exercise plan.

Switching to whole foods, high in protein and fibre can help you attain your goal weight without losing excess muscle. Gradually increasing physical activity over time whilst ensuring you get enough sleep is just as important as the food we eat in our weight loss journey.

Speaking to a clinician at Quick Meds can help personalise dietary advice to suit your cultural preferences, create a practical exercise plan and provide simple strategies to support lifestyle changes, such as using smaller plates to manage portion sizes, walking more or taking the stairs rather than a lift.

By not offering a subscription service, our ordering model allows for regular check ins with a clinician to ensure you are getting the most our of your treatment. When required, we can also signpost you to relevant health services.

Why choose Quick Meds for GLP-1 weight loss treatments?

As a GPhC registered Pharmacy, here at Quick Meds, we pride ourselves on providing the highest level of care with your safety as our priority. We already provide licensed weight loss treatments safely and the same high standards will apply to Orforglipron when it becomes available.

• We use UK-registered prescribers and pharmacists, with experience in GLP-1 treatments

• We provide clear, evidence-based patient-friendly information, written and reviewed by healthcare professionals

• Discreet delivery across the UK as soon as by the next working day

• Ongoing aftercare and easy access to advice whenever you need it.

Clinical evidence and ongoing research

Orforglipron has been studied in several studies to understand its effects on body weight and blood sugar.

Phase 2 studies, conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes, showed participants taking high doses lost a significant amount of weight compared to those taking placebo.

Phase 3 trials, conducted in patients with and without diabetes on a larger scale, demonstrated an average weight loss of 15% of their starting weight.

Despite these results, research is ongoing to determine long-term safety of the medicine, potential benefits for cardiovascular conditions and its effectiveness in different patient groups.

Quick Meds will regularly review new evidence as it emerges and update prescribing policies accordingly, once Orforglipron becomes available.