Eli Lilly’s New Weight-Loss Pill Nears Market with Faster FDA Review
A new weight-loss pill from Eli Lilly, orforglipron, is set to enter the stock market soon, offering a simpler alternative to existing treatments. The drug, unlike Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide, does not require fasting or waiting periods before meals. Meanwhile, major companies like Amazon and CenterWell Pharmacy are expanding access to obesity medications through new distribution channels.
Eli Lilly is moving quickly to launch orforglipron across multiple countries. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already granted the drug fast-track status, which could shorten its review time to just one or two months. This acceleration suggests the medication may reach patients sooner than expected.
The pill’s design gives it a practical edge over competitors. Unlike Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide, which demands fasting and a 30-minute wait before eating or drinking, orforglipron can be taken without such restrictions. This convenience could make it a preferred choice for many users.
In parallel, Amazon Pharmacy is expanding its distribution network to sell Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy directly to consumers online. Prices will start at $25 for insured customers and $149 for those paying out of pocket. CenterWell Pharmacy, part of Humana, is also rolling out a new employer-based program to provide Lilly’s obesity drugs, signalling a push toward wider market availability.
Pfizer’s CEO, Albert Bourla, has compared the emerging obesity drug market to the Viagra boom of 1998. He predicts a surge in consumer demand, with many people likely to pay for these treatments themselves.
Orforglipron’s fast-tracked approval and simpler dosing could position it as a strong contender in the weight-loss market. With Amazon and CenterWell Pharmacy expanding access, more patients may soon have easier ways to obtain obesity medications. The shift mirrors broader industry expectations of growing consumer demand for these drugs.
