The Next Oral GLP-1s in the Pipeline: Beyond Rybelsus, Wegovy Pill, and Orforglipron
The current oral GLP-1 landscape is only the beginning of what's coming. Multiple next-generation oral compounds are in clinical development. Here's what's on the horizon beyond Rybelsus, Wegovy pill, and orforglipron.
The Small Molecule Class
Orforglipron is the first small molecule GLP-1 agonist to reach late-stage trials, but not the only one in development. Multiple pharmaceutical companies have small molecule GLP-1 agonists in earlier-stage development, some with additional receptor targeting (dual GLP-1 and GIP, for example) analogous to tirzepatide but in oral form.
The class overall could produce meaningful improvements in convenience, cost, and patient accessibility if the efficacy holds through Phase 3 for multiple compounds.
Combination Peptide Products
Novo Nordisk's cagrilintide (an amylin analog) is in development in combination with semaglutide. Oral versions of combination products, while not currently available, are conceptually possible extensions of the platform. The complexity of combining peptides with absorption enhancers makes oral combinations more challenging than injectable combinations.
MadeMed
Independent compounder — oral tirzepatide specialty.
- Compounded oral tirzepatide
- $167–$229 range by dose tier
- Direct pharmacy fulfillment
Novel Absorption Approaches
Beyond SNAC-based absorption enhancers, other approaches to improving oral peptide bioavailability are in development: engineered absorption enhancers with better efficiency, novel delivery vehicles (nanoparticles, self-emulsifying systems), and biological approaches (engineered probiotics producing GLP-1 receptor agonists in the GI tract).
Most of these are earlier stage than orforglipron and unlikely to reach market for several years or longer. But the direction of development suggests continued innovation in the oral GLP-1 space.
Telos Rx
Compounded GLP-1 via direct pharmacy program.
- Compounded GLP-1 focus
- Direct-link intake format
- Verify pricing at intake
Once-Weekly Oral Concepts
Oral GLP-1 formulations designed for weekly rather than daily dosing are conceptual targets for future development. The technical challenges of maintaining therapeutic blood levels for a week from a single oral dose are substantial, but ongoing formulation research aims at this profile. Weekly oral would combine oral convenience with injectable-frequency dosing.
What to Expect in the Next 3-5 Years
Near-term: orforglipron approval decision, further evolution of compounded oral formulations, competitive response from Novo and Lilly to each other's oral products. Medium-term: additional small molecule GLP-1 approvals, potential oral combination products, refined delivery technologies. Long-term: potentially transformative changes in oral GLP-1 convenience and accessibility.
For patients today: current oral options are effective and mature enough for treatment initiation. Waiting for future products isn't necessary for patients who need therapy now.
MadeMed
Independent compounder — oral tirzepatide specialty.
- Compounded oral tirzepatide
- $167–$229 range by dose tier
- Direct pharmacy fulfillment
Telos Rx
Compounded GLP-1 via direct pharmacy program.
- Compounded GLP-1 focus
- Direct-link intake format
- Verify pricing at intake
Where to Start
MadeMed
Independent compounder — oral tirzepatide specialty.
- Compounded oral tirzepatide
- $167–$229 range by dose tier
- Direct pharmacy fulfillment
Telos Rx
Compounded GLP-1 via direct pharmacy program.
- Compounded GLP-1 focus
- Direct-link intake format
- Verify pricing at intake