Oral Weight-Loss Drug Approved for Sale in Israel
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israel is launching its first oral weight-loss drug, Pyloufy, on September 15, offering a more convenient alternative to injections. While clinical trials show significant weight loss and metabolic benefits, the high cost and lack of national health basket coverage present major barriers for patients.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel will offer its first oral weight-loss pill, Pyloufy, starting September 15.
- The drug offers convenience, not requiring refrigeration or specific meal timing.
- Pyloufy is expensive and not yet covered by national health insurance.
- Clinical trials show significant weight loss and metabolic improvements.
- Oral pill results are generally less potent than current weight-loss injections.
Israel will soon offer its first oral weight-loss medication, Pyloufy (orforglipron), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which will be available in pharmacies starting September 15. Eli Lilly announced the drug's arrival, making Israel the fourth country globally to commercially offer the pill, following the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. The medication will be priced between approximately 692 to 1,146 shekels per month, depending on the dosage.
This oral option offers significant logistical advantages over injectable weight-loss drugs, as it does not require refrigeration and can be taken daily without regard to meals or water intake. This contrasts with some existing injectables like Wegovy, which require specific administration conditions. A competing oral version of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy is also anticipated to reach Israel by the end of the year.
However, Pyloufy is not yet included in Israel's national health basket, meaning patients will initially have to purchase it privately at full cost. It will be available through a special prescription form (Form 29g) for drugs not yet registered in the country. Experts note that the high cost is a major barrier, especially since many Israelis suffer from overweight or obesity, and current subsidized injectables still represent a significant monthly expense.
Clinical trials have shown that Pyloufy can lead to substantial weight loss, with an average reduction of 12.4% in body weight over 72 weeks in adults with overweight or obesity. The drug also demonstrated metabolic benefits, including reductions in waist circumference, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure. Separate studies in diabetic patients showed a reduced risk of cardiovascular events and a decrease in HbA1c levels.
While effective, the weight loss achieved with Pyloufy is generally less than that seen with high-dose injectable medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) or semaglutide (Wegovy). Nevertheless, the oral pill is seen as a breakthrough for individuals who are hesitant to use injections due to needle phobia, logistical challenges, or the psychological perception of receiving injectable treatment. The pill may also serve as a maintenance therapy for those who have already achieved weight loss with injections.
Dr. Lior Neumann, a specialist in family medicine and obesity, expressed hope that the treatment will eventually be included in the health basket and offered at more affordable prices through supplementary insurance plans. He emphasized that medication must be combined with lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to be effective long-term. Further advancements in weight-loss treatments, including higher-dose injectables and new formulations, are expected in the future.
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