Saxenda vs Foundayo (orforglipron)
Side-by-side comparison based on SCALE and ATTAIN-1 phase 3 trial data plus April 2026 pricing.
Saxenda
liraglutide (injection)
Peak weight loss8.4%
TrialSCALE
Administrationinjection
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,349/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 | Saxenda | 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) | $1,349 | $1,099 | $250 (Foundayo (orforglipron) cheaper) |
Saxenda pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Most prescribing experience of any GLP-1
- ✓ Fully covered by Medicare for some indications
Cons
- ✗ Daily injection (vs weekly for newer drugs)
- ✗ Substantially lower weight loss (8.4% vs 14.9–22.5%)
- ✗ Outdated by newer molecules
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
Saxenda
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
- • Headache
Foundayo (orforglipron)
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Vomiting
- • Constipation
Which should you choose: Saxenda or Foundayo (orforglipron)?
Choose Saxenda if: you prefer a weekly injection over a daily pill; you want a drug FDA-approved specifically for weight loss.
Choose Foundayo (orforglipron) if: you want maximum weight loss (14.7% vs 8.4%); you prefer a daily pill over a weekly injection; cash-pay cost matters most to you.
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.