New Oral Weight Loss Drug Arrives in Israel Amidst Evolving Market

The landscape of weight loss medications is rapidly changing, moving beyond the once diabetes-specific drug Ozempic to a new generation of treatments. Wegovy, a weekly injection containing semaglutide, has become widely recognized for weight management, demonstrating an average weight loss of around 15% in clinical trials. Mounjaro, with its active ingredient tirzepatide, targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, showing a potential for greater weight reduction, with studies indicating an average loss of about 21% at its highest dose. Ozempic, while containing the same active ingredient as Wegovy, is officially approved in Israel for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss, though weight reduction can be a side effect.

The market is now seeing the introduction of oral medications, with Eli Lilly's Foundayo (orforglipron) being one of the first GLP-1 class drugs available as a daily pill, eliminating the need for injections. Clinical trials for Foundayo showed an average weight loss of approximately 14%. Novo Nordisk is also developing an oral version of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, which has shown promising results in trials with an average weight loss of 16.5%.

Experts caution against direct comparisons of weight loss percentages between different drugs due to variations in study designs and patient populations. The choice of medication depends on individual medical conditions, treatment goals, and response to the drug. The evolving market emphasizes factors beyond just weight reduction, including manageable side effects, ease of use, adherence, and cost. Consulting a qualified medical professional is crucial for determining the most suitable treatment, as these medications require a prescription and are approved for specific indications.