Head to head
Orforglipron against Danuglipron
The two oral small molecule GLP-1 agonists that took the same bet on swallowing rather than injecting. One reached FDA approval in April 2026; the other was discontinued after tolerability and safety signals. That divergence is the comparison, and it is the reason a class is not a guarantee.
Column A
OrforglipronOrforglipron (Foundayo, oral non-peptide GLP-1 agonist)
A once-daily GLP-1 pill rather than a shot, a small molecule rather than a peptide, FDA-approved on April 1, 2026 as Foundayo for weight management.
Column B
DanuglipronDanuglipron (oral small-molecule GLP-1 agonist)
Pfizer's oral small-molecule GLP-1 agonist whose development was discontinued after tolerability and safety signals.
Side by side, on the facts we can check
| Attribute | Orforglipron | Danuglipron |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Metabolic | Metabolic |
| FDA status | FDA-approved April 1, 2026 as Foundayo for chronic weight management (boxed thyroid C-cell warning) | Development discontinued; not approved |
| Half-life | ~29-49 hours | Short (was studied as daily dosing) |
| Molecular weight | ~735 Da | ~556 Da |
| Mechanism | Activates the GLP-1 receptor as an orally available small molecule, reducing appetite and improving glucose-dependent insulin secretion. | Activates the GLP-1 receptor as an orally available small molecule rather than an injected peptide. |
| Human studies cited | 5 | 4 |
| Legal status, US | FDA-approved (Foundayo, chronic weight management), prescription only | Investigational, not approved |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Orforglipron and Danuglipron?
Orforglipron: A once-daily GLP-1 pill rather than a shot, a small molecule rather than a peptide, FDA-approved on April 1, 2026 as Foundayo for weight management. Danuglipron: Pfizer's oral small-molecule GLP-1 agonist whose development was discontinued after tolerability and safety signals.
Which has stronger research evidence, Orforglipron or Danuglipron?
This database does not grade compounds. It counts what was run in people: 5 of the 5 studies cited on the Orforglipron profile were human work, against 4 of 4 for Danuglipron. Those counts are of our own citation lists and understate any larger literature, and neither is a recommendation.
Are Orforglipron and Danuglipron FDA-approved?
Orforglipron: FDA-approved April 1, 2026 as Foundayo for chronic weight management (boxed thyroid C-cell warning). Danuglipron: Development discontinued; not approved.
Related posts
Blog articles that cover Orforglipron or Danuglipron, newest first.
- Metabolic / Sep 8, 2026 / 10 minOral GLP-1s in 2026: Wegovy Pill vs Foundayo (Orforglipron) vs Rybelsus, and What Is Coming
- Metabolic / Sep 8, 2026 / 9 minRetatrutide vs Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide vs the Pill: The 2026 GLP-1 Field Guide
- Regulation / Sep 8, 2026 / 9 minFDA Peptide Status in 2026: The Category 2 Removals, the July Votes, and What Actually Changed
Reviewed Sep 2026. This page sets two published records side by side. It is educational, it is not medical advice, and it contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use.