The latest market debutant, Eli Lilly's weight-loss pill orforglipron, has been approved by the US FDA, setting a tighter battle in the GLP-1 medicine arena.
The drug, orforglipron, will be sold under the brand name Foundayo and it is a once-daily oral medication that targets the GLP-1 hormone. It has been reported that patients taking the drug in trials lost 12 to 15 per cent of their body weight.
According to officials, sales of Foundayo will commence on April 6 through its LillyDirect program at a cost of $149 per month for the lowest dose for self-pay customers. Later, it would be available through retail pharmacies and telehealth providers.
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"We do expect approvals yet this year in several major markets. The Gulf states are one of those areas that tend to move a little quicker, so that would be one," said Lilly CEO David Ricks.
Tough competition
According to Reuters, Lilly's pill can be taken at any time of day with or without food, compared with the Wegovy pill, which must be taken first thing in the morning and 30 minutes before any food, water or other medications.
Meanwhile, the Indian government has informed that CDSCO has intensified its regulatory surveillance against its unauthorised sale and promotion and warned stricter inspections and surveillance will continue in the coming weeks.
The move comes after multiple variants of GLP-1 drugs were recently introduced in the Indian market, and concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics.
What are GLP-1 drugs?
The GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are developed to treat both type 2 diabetes and obesity. This is done by correcting the hormonal imbalance - stimulating insulin release and suppressing excess glucagon -to bring blood sugar back under control.
For more information, consult a medical expert.
