People may soon have more choice when it comes to treating type 2 diabetes and weight loss, with a new type of oral medication emerging as an alternative to injections.
Adelaide University Professor Michael Horowitz analysed a recent international trial and says the drug orforglipron -a so called GLP-1 receptor agonist- was effective when given orally once a day, in lowering elevated glucose levels and body weight in people with type 2 diabetes.
“This drug is currently in development but is clearly a promising alternative to other treatments used to treat diabetes and obesity, such as semaglutide (Ozempic) injections and oral semaglutide.”
More than 1500 people were involved in the ACHIEVE-3 study – a multinational and multicentre study which compared the effects of oral semaglutide with orforglipron.
“While these are certainly promising results, the drug isn’t without side effects. It was less well-tolerated among participants, with more gastrointestinal adverse effects, such as nausea reported than with semaglutide.
“It’s not necessarily a replacement for current medications but provides an alternative for individuals who would prefer an oral therapy and have a high tolerance to potential side effects.”
While oral semaglutide has recently become available in many countries, it must be taken on an empty stomach with an absorption enhancer because it is poorly absorbed. People need to abstain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes after taking it.
Professor Horowitz’s observations have been published in the The Lancet. He is available for comment on this trial and management of type 2 diabetes.