The Ozempic Effect and the Quest for a Pill
Injectable medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity [1.4.6]. They belong to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by mimicking a gut hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar [1.4.4]. Their remarkable effectiveness, with studies showing average body weight losses of 15% for semaglutide and up to 21% for tirzepatide, has created massive demand [1.4.4]. However, the need for weekly injections is a drawback for many patients [1.2.3]. This has intensified the race among pharmaceutical companies to develop an equally effective, convenient oral medication.
Oral GLP-1 Agonists: The Next Frontier
The primary challenge in creating a weight loss pill has been designing a molecule that can survive the digestive system and be effectively absorbed. Companies are now overcoming this hurdle with a new generation of oral GLP-1 agonists.
Orforglipron (Eli Lilly)
Eli Lilly, the maker of Zepbound and Mounjaro, is developing orforglipron, a once-daily oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist [1.5.2, 1.2.1]. A key advantage is that it can be taken without the food and water restrictions required by the other oral GLP-1 on the market, Rybelsus [1.2.5]. Phase 3 trial results published in September 2025 were promising. After 72 weeks, participants taking the highest dose of orforglipron lost an average of 11.2% to 12.4% of their body weight, compared to about 2% in the placebo group [1.5.3, 1.5.2]. The most common side effects were mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal issues, which is consistent with the GLP-1 drug class [1.5.3]. Eli Lilly plans to submit orforglipron for FDA approval for weight management in the second half of 2025, with potential availability as early as 2026 [1.5.4, 1.2.7].
Amycretin (Novo Nordisk)
Not to be outdone, Novo Nordisk, the company behind Ozempic and Wegovy, is advancing its own highly anticipated oral medication, amycretin [1.3.3]. What makes amycretin different is its dual-agonist mechanism. It targets not only the GLP-1 receptor but also the amylin receptor [1.3.1]. Amylin is another hormone that helps regulate appetite and slow stomach emptying [1.3.3]. This dual action may lead to greater weight loss and potentially fewer gastrointestinal side effects [1.3.3].
Early-phase trial results have been described as "remarkable" [1.3.3]. In a phase 1 study, participants taking a daily oral dose of amycretin achieved a mean weight loss of 13.1% in just 12 weeks [1.3.1]. This rapid and significant weight reduction, with no signs of plateauing, has generated considerable excitement [1.3.2, 1.3.7]. Based on these strong results, Novo Nordisk is advancing amycretin directly to phase 3 development for weight management [1.3.1].
Comparison of Emerging and Current Medications
While direct head-to-head trials are pending for some of these drugs, we can compare their key features based on available clinical data.
| Feature | Ozempic (Semaglutide) | Zepbound (Tirzepatide) | Orforglipron (Investigational) | Amycretin (Investigational) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | GLP-1 Agonist | Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonist | GLP-1 Agonist | Dual GLP-1/Amylin Agonist |
| Administration | Weekly Injection | Weekly Injection | Daily Pill | Daily Pill & Weekly Injection |
| Avg. Weight Loss | ~15% (68 weeks) [1.4.4] | ~21% (72 weeks) [1.4.4] | ~12.4% (72 weeks) [1.5.2] | ~13.1% (12 weeks) [1.3.1] |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation [1.7.1] | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation [1.7.1] | Gastrointestinal events [1.5.3] | Gastrointestinal events [1.3.4] |
The Broader Landscape and Discontinued Efforts
Other companies have also been exploring this space. Pfizer was developing an oral GLP-1 called danuglipron. However, despite showing some weight loss efficacy, development was discontinued in April 2025 due to findings of liver toxicity in a trial patient [1.6.1, 1.6.5]. This highlights the rigorous safety standards these new medications must meet before they can reach the public.
Conclusion
The answer to "What is the new weight loss pill like Ozempic?" is not a single product but a new wave of oral medications poised to transform obesity care. Eli Lilly's orforglipron and Novo Nordisk's amycretin are leading the charge, offering the potential for weight loss efficacy that rivals current injectables but in a more convenient daily pill form. While Zepbound has already set a new bar for injectable treatments by targeting two hormones, the development of dual-action oral drugs like amycretin suggests the future of weight management will be even more effective and accessible. As these drugs progress through late-stage trials, they offer hope for the millions of people affected by obesity worldwide [1.8.1].
For authoritative information on GLP-1 agonists, consult resources like the Cleveland Clinic [1.7.3].
