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The Scalpel's Edge
The Scalpel's Edge is a podcast hosted by Dr. Tim Sayed, a leading plastic surgeon and physician innovator, dedicated to exploring the forefront of excellence and wellness. The show delves into cutting-edge medical technologies, industry controversies, and innovative approaches to healthcare and personal growth. With insightful discussions featuring top leaders and innovators from healthcare and beyond, the podcast aims to optimize performance, enhance wellness, and deepen self-understanding. Listeners can follow the podcast on platforms like Apple and Spotify to join this journey into groundbreaking advancements and out-of-the-box thinking.
The Scalpel's Edge
Ep. 29 - What a New Oral GLP-1 Study Means for Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Loss
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Dr. Tim Sayed takes a thoughtful look at newly published data from the Achieve 3 trial, a 52-week head-to-head study comparing Eli Lilly’s investigational oral GLP-1, orforglipron, to oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled on metformin.
Published in The Lancet, the study showed greater A1C reduction and more weight loss at higher doses of orforglipron, with improvements appearing as early as four weeks and sustained through the full year. Participants also saw clinically meaningful changes in cardiovascular risk markers, including non-HDL cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure.
Dr. Sayed walks through how the trial was structured, what the numbers actually represent, and what to make of the higher rates of gastrointestinal side effects seen with the more potent dosing. He reflects on what it takes for a medication to move through phase three trials and toward FDA review, and why that rigor matters.
From practical issues like dosing and food restrictions to the broader landscape of compounding pharmacies and evolving GLP-1 access, this is a grounded conversation about where the science stands and what may be coming next.
Contact Dr. Tim Sayed:
Phone: (858) 247-2933
Email: info@timsayedmd.com
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