Are GLP-1 Pills the Future of Ozempic?

When GLP-1s such as Ozempic or Wegovy come to mind, most people tend to think of injectable medications. But, more and more compounded pharmacies are manufacturing semaglutide pills. This would remove the need for a needle in the GLP-1 weight loss process. But what are the benefits and drawbacks?

Dr. Lizzie Benge, MD, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital tells Woman’s World that a pill would increase GLP-1 accessibility.

“Many patients prefer pills over injections for convenience and ease of use, which could lead to better compliance with prescribed regimens,” she explains. “This could have a profound impact on the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, as adherence to GLP-1 therapies is crucial for achieving long-term results.”

Peptide pills are essentially GLP-1 receptor agonists that are taken once a day, in oral form, rather than a once monthly injection. Like their needle counterparts, they regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. However, instead of being absorbed directly into the bloodstream, they can withstand being broken down by stomach acid. Dr. HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, who is a pharmacist at BuzzRx, tells Woman’s World why this is unique.

“Many people prefer to take their medications orally to avoid the inconvenience, pain, and discomfort associated with injections. However, Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 agonists are administered via injection because their structure does not remain intact in the digestive tract,” she explains. “[GLP-1 pills] are developed for oral dosing to achieve the most optimal intended result.”

Semaglutide pills may be slightly less effective than injectables

As previously mentioned, oral GLP-1 receptor agonists are not a new innovation, as compounded pharmacies have already been producing them. Studies have shown they are equally effective for weight loss and managing blood sugar levels in diabetes as injections. However, studies also suggest they might be slightly less effective for weight loss than their injectable counterparts.

“Their ability to promote weight loss and glycemic control is comparable,” Dr. Benge tells us. “Though it may possibly be at a reduced magnitude, due to differences in drug absorption and bioavailability.”

However, Dr. Ngo-Hamilton believes they could become more effective over time.

“If medications like Ozempic or Wegovy can be developed as macrocyclic drugs, the aim is to achieve the same outcomes as their injectable counterparts, whether for blood glucose control or weight loss,” she adds.

The side effects are comparable

Patients can expect similar side effects to that of injectable GLP-1: Nausea, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes more serious gastrointestinal issues are only a few. However, you may want to speak to your doctor regarding what symptoms you experience, as they can vary from person to person.

“The intensity of these side effects may vary based on individual response and drug formulation,” Dr. Benge says, and Dr. Ngo-Hamilton had similar sentiments, saying, “We will not fully understand the differences between the two forms until clinical trials involving human participants are completed.”

GLP-1 pills cost less than injectables

Patients, rejoice: While injectable medications like Ozempic sometimes go for more than $1,000, GLP-1 pills may cost less than injectables. Dr. Benge explains this is because because oral formulations are easier to produce and distribute. But increased demand may make prices go up initially, so their initial debut on the market may not be the time try it out.

“Pricing also depends on market dynamics, competition, and insurance coverage,” Dr. Benge explains. “At launch, they might not be significantly cheaper if the technology involved in oral delivery is still expensive to produce.”

This will impact the industry tremendously

Of course, if FDA approved, GLP-1 pills could drastically open up the market for these kinds of therapies. Dr. Benge explains that pills are far less invasive than an injectable medication. Ultimately, they are likely to attract an entirely new demographic of people who were against injecting themselves with GLP-1 medications.

“The investment reflects the growing recognition of GLP-1 agonists as game-changing drugs in managing metabolic conditions,” Dr. Benge says. “This shift to oral formulations underscores the evolving landscape of patient-centered care and pharmaceutical innovation, making it a transformative moment for the GLP-1 industry.”

Demand is also likely to increase

In addition to changing the industry and attracting a new clientele, demand would likely increase for these pills once they become more widely available. If its debut is anything like the Ozempic craze, prices will most likely soar, and then start to taper off.

“Demand for GLP-1 therapies is likely to increase with the availability of oral forms, as many patients are needle-averse and would welcome a non-invasive alternative,” Dr. Benge explains. “Additionally, oral forms may appeal to individuals newly considering weight loss or diabetes medications.”

Ozempic pills may help mitigate shortages

Even though there may be increased demand, having more GLP-1 options may prevent semaglutide shortages, which is a prevalent issue in the world of GLP-1s. This would be game-changing for the industry.

“[Having pills as a GLP-1 options] may also help to alleviate a lot of the shortages we have seen over the past year,” Dr. Ngo-Hamilton states. “Manufacturers struggled to keep up with the surge in demand for the injectable GLP-1 agonist medications, but now this provides another option in the marketplace.”

Ozempic pills could be a huge catalyst for the GLP-1 industry

While injectable medications may be slightly more effective, pills are easier to take and still result in weight loss. Seeing more pills hit the market could seriously change the GLP-1 industry’s landscape.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

FAQs

Are GLP-1 pills just as effective as injectables?

GLP-1 pills similarly work to lower blood sugar levels and curb appetite. Sometimes they result in less weight loss results, due to dosing. But everyone responds differently.
Do GLP-1 pills cost less than injectables?

Because they're less costly to distribute and produce, GLP-1 pills do cost less than injectables. But increased demand may increase prices when they are more widely available.
Do GLP-1 pills have the same side effects as injectables?

GLP-1 pills have the same side effects as injectables. However, people are impacted differently by different kinds of medications.

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