GLP-1 medicines are currently used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Many of these medications are administered by injection, which can be challenging for some patients.
They also need to be stored under refrigeration, making transportation and storage more difficult, according to The Conversation, as cited by ScienceDaily.
The oral semaglutide tablet currently available must be taken on an empty stomach, and patients must wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
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This makes the treatment less flexible.
A new type of medication
The new tablet is called orforglipron. According to The Conversation, it is manufactured differently from oral semaglutide.
This makes it less expensive and easier to produce, and it also does not require refrigeration.
Researchers therefore believe that the tablet could eventually be easier to use and distribute, particularly in countries where maintaining a cold chain is difficult.
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Trial revealed both strengths and weaknesses
A phase 3 trial published in The Lancet included 1,698 adults with type 2 diabetes from six countries.
After 52 weeks, the results showed that orforglipron produced greater reductions in both blood sugar levels and body weight than the current oral semaglutide, according to The Conversation.
The findings also highlighted a drawback. More participants experienced gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Around 10 percent of participants discontinued treatment because of side effects, compared with 4 to 5 percent of those receiving oral semaglutide, according to The Conversation.
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The researchers therefore conclude that the new tablet could become a strong competitor, although its side effects may influence how many patients choose to continue treatment.
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