Mexico City — Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) has approved orforglipron, the first oral medication for both obesity and type 2 diabetes, drugmaker Eli Lilly announced. The pill belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class but is taken orally without requiring fasting or special timing.
According to Lilly, Mexico is the first country to approve orforglipron simultaneously for both indications. The drug is not yet available in pharmacies but is expected to reach authorized outlets in the coming months.
How orforglipron works
Orforglipron activates the GLP-1 receptor, a hormone involved in blood sugar control, satiety, and the rate at which the stomach releases food into the intestine. It signals the body that it has received food, promoting insulin release when glucose rises and helping reduce appetite.
Unlike injectable GLP-1 drugs, orforglipron is taken as a daily pill. Lilly says it can be taken without restrictions related to food, drink, or time of day, though final dosing instructions will follow the approved labeling for Mexico.
Clinical trial results
In the phase 3 ATTAIN program for obesity, participants on the highest dose lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight, with nearly 40% achieving at least 15% reduction. In the ACHIEVE-2 trial for type 2 diabetes, patients on the highest dose lost an average of 8.9 kg (9.2% of body weight) over 52 weeks and saw reductions in HbA1c of up to 2.2 percentage points.
Claudio Fiorentini, medical director of Lilly Mexico, noted that Mexican patients represented up to 41% of participants in some clinical programs. “Having an oral alternative represents an opportunity to expand the available therapeutic options,” he said.
Not a substitute for medical supervision
Lilly emphasized that orforglipron is a prescription drug and should only be used after a medical evaluation. It is not intended for cosmetic weight loss and should not be purchased without a prescription or through informal channels. The company urged patients to buy the drug only from authorized pharmacies and to verify the sanitary registration and packaging integrity.
Orforglipron does not replace other interventions such as diet, exercise, clinical monitoring, and management of related conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, and emotional health.
