Saxenda vs Foundayo (orforglipron)
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Side-by-side comparison based on SCALE and ATTAIN-1 phase 3 trial data plus May 2026 pricing.
Saxenda
liraglutide (injection)
Peak weight loss8.4%
TrialSCALE
Administrationinjection
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,349/mo
Foundayo (orforglipron)
Higher efficacyorforglipron (tablet)
Peak weight loss14.7%
TrialATTAIN-1
Administrationoral
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,099/mo
Weight loss comparison (220 lbs starting weight)
% of body weight lost over 18 months, modeled from phase 3 trial data
Monthly cost by payment channel
| Channel | Saxenda | Foundayo (orforglipron) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $63 | $0 (Foundayo (orforglipron) cheaper) |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | - | $149 | - |
| Telehealth: brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $399 | - | - |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,349 | $1,099 | $250 (Foundayo (orforglipron) cheaper) |
Saxenda pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Most prescribing experience of any GLP-1
- ✓ Fully covered by Medicare for some indications
Cons
- ✗ Daily injection (vs weekly for newer drugs)
- ✗ Substantially lower weight loss (8.4% vs 14.9–22.5%)
- ✗ Outdated by newer molecules
Foundayo (orforglipron) pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Daily pill with NO food or water restrictions (advantage over oral Wegovy 25 mg)
- ✓ Non-peptide small molecule - easier manufacturing and scaling
- ✓ 14.7% average weight loss in ATTAIN-1
- ✓ LillyDirect self-pay starts at $149/mo for the lowest dose
- ✓ Medicare Part D coverage as low as $50/mo beginning July 1, 2026
Cons
- ✗ New molecule (April 2026 approval) - limited real-world safety data outside trials
- ✗ Daily adherence required
- ✗ Higher doses (14.5/17.2 mg) price up to $349/mo out of refill window
Common side effects
Saxenda
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
- • Headache
Foundayo (orforglipron)
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Vomiting
- • Constipation
Which should you choose: Saxenda or Foundayo (orforglipron)?
Choose Saxenda if: you prefer a weekly injection over a daily pill.
Choose Foundayo (orforglipron) if: you want maximum weight loss (14.7% vs 8.4%); you prefer a daily pill over a weekly injection; cash-pay cost matters most to you.
Final decisions should always be made with a licensed prescriber. This is educational content only.
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Where to actually buy Saxenda or Foundayo (orforglipron) (and the alternatives)
Manufacturer direct prices (LillyDirect, NovoCare) are usually cheapest. Updated May 2026.
| Drug | Insurance | Mfr direct | Telehealth (brand) | Telehealth (compd) | Cash retail | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy 14.9% weight loss | $63 | $349 | $329 | $249 cheapest | $1,349 | Get → |
| Ozempic 11.6% weight loss | $63 | - | $399 | $199 cheapest | $998 | Get → |
| Wegovy (oral 25mg) 13.6% weight loss | $63 | $149 cheapest | $449 | - | $1,349 | Get → |
| Zepbound 22.5% weight loss | $88 | $299 cheapest | $499 | $299 cheapest | $1,059 | Get → |
| Mounjaro 20.9% weight loss | $88 | - | $499 | $299 cheapest | $1,069 | Get → |
| Saxenda 8.4% weight loss | $63 | - | $399 cheapest | - | $1,349 | Get → |
| Foundayo (orforglipron) 14.7% weight loss | $63 | $149 cheapest | - | - | $1,099 | Get → |
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Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.
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