Teduglutide vs Orforglipron
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Recovery & Repair
TeduglutideGLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Orforglipron- Summary
- Teduglutide is a GLP-2 (glucagon-like peptide-2) analog with enhanced stability. Unlike GLP-1, GLP-2 specifically acts on the intestinal epithelium to increase intestinal length, villus height, and absorption surface area. FDA-approved as Gattex for short bowel syndrome, it is also being investigated for IBD, leaky gut, and mucosal healing.
- Orforglipron is an oral, once-daily small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. Unlike injectable GLP-1 peptides, it is a non-peptide compound absorbed orally without food restrictions, representing a major convenience advancement. Phase 2 trials showed up to 9.4% weight loss at 36 weeks, and Phase 3 trials (ATTAIN program) are ongoing for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Half-Life
- ~2 hours; once-daily dosing due to gut-specific residence
- ~12 hours (once-daily oral dosing)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.05 mg/kg/day
- 12 mg → 24 mg → 36 mg → 45 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Increases intestinal villus height and absorption surface area
- Reduces intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
- FDA-approved for short bowel syndrome
- Reduces parenteral nutrition dependence in SBS patients
- Promotes intestinal mucosal healing in IBD
- Increases tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin
- Oral pill — no injections required
- Once-daily dosing without food restrictions (unlike oral semaglutide)
- Up to 9.4% body weight reduction in Phase 2 at 36 weeks
- Significant HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetes trials
- Small-molecule stability — no cold chain requirements
- Broadens access for injection-averse patients
- Potential class-defining convenience advantage over injectable GLP-1s
- Side Effects
- Injection site reactions
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Nausea
- Risk of intestinal polyp growth (requires colonoscopy surveillance)
- +1 more
- Nausea (most common, dose-dependent)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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