How does orforglipron work?

Orforglipron is an orally available small molecule, not a peptide, that activates the GLP-1 receptor. Half-life is about 29 to 49 hours. Molecular weight is about 735 daltons. It is FDA approved as Foundayo as of April 1, 2026 for chronic weight management, with a boxed thyroid C-cell warning. Phase 2 found 9.4% to 14.7% weight loss at 36 weeks versus 2.3% on placebo. ATTAIN-1, Phase 3 in 3,127 adults, found 11.2% weight loss at 72 weeks on 36 milligrams versus 2.1% on placebo by the treatment-regimen estimand; 36% lost 15% or more. ACHIEVE-1 in early type 2 diabetes found HbA1c down 1.24 to 1.48 points at 40 weeks versus 0.41 on placebo. Those are labeled-medicine results, not a research-chemical claim. This FAQ does not invent a dose. Full record at /compounds/orforglipron.

Educational use only. This database summarizes published research and is not medical advice. Where a dose appears it is a record of what a trial or clinic ran, or what people describe doing, with its source attached. Nothing here is a recommendation for personal use.

Part of glp-1 and metabolic peptides. Semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, and the rest of the incretin and glucagon receptor family.