Ozempic vs Foundayo (orforglipron)
Side-by-side comparison based on STEP-2 (T2D) and ATTAIN-1 phase 3 trial data plus April 2026 pricing.
Ozempic
semaglutide (injection)
Peak weight loss11.6%
TrialSTEP-2 (T2D)
Administrationinjection
FDA statustype-2-diabetes
List price$998/mo
Foundayo (orforglipron)
Higher efficacyorforglipron (tablet)
Peak weight loss14.7%
TrialATTAIN-1
Administrationoral
FDA statuspending
List price$1,099/mo
Weight loss comparison (220 lbs starting weight)
% of body weight lost over 18 months, modeled from phase 3 trial data
Monthly cost by payment channel
| Channel | Ozempic | Foundayo (orforglipron) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $63 | $0 (Foundayo (orforglipron) cheaper) |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | — | $499 | — |
| Telehealth — brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $399 | — | — |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $998 | $1,099 | $101 (Ozempic cheaper) |
Ozempic pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Often easier to get insurance coverage if you have type 2 diabetes
- ✓ Lower list price than Wegovy
- ✓ Same active ingredient as Wegovy (semaglutide)
- ✓ Strong cardiovascular outcome data (SUSTAIN-6)
Cons
- ✗ Off-label for weight loss — insurance won't cover for that purpose
- ✗ Lower max dose than Wegovy (2.0 mg vs 2.4 mg) means slightly less weight loss
- ✗ Periodic shortages
Foundayo (orforglipron) pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Daily pill with NO fasting requirement (advantage over oral Wegovy)
- ✓ Non-peptide small molecule — easier manufacturing/scale
- ✓ 14.7% average weight loss in ATTAIN-1
- ✓ Likely to be lower-priced than peptide injections at scale
Cons
- ✗ Pending FDA approval (expected mid-2026)
- ✗ Less long-term safety data than older GLP-1s
- ✗ Daily adherence required
Common side effects
Ozempic
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Vomiting
- • Constipation
- • Abdominal pain
Foundayo (orforglipron)
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Vomiting
- • Constipation
Which should you choose: Ozempic or Foundayo (orforglipron)?
Choose Ozempic if: you prefer a weekly injection over a daily pill; cash-pay cost matters most to you.
Choose Foundayo (orforglipron) if: you want maximum weight loss (14.7% vs 11.6%); you prefer a daily pill over a weekly injection.
Final decisions should always be made with a licensed prescriber. This is educational content only.
Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.