In a significant development for millions, the pharmaceutical giant behind Mounjaro has unveiled promising data for a new daily pill that could transform the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The experimental drug, orforglipron, has demonstrated substantial weight loss and improved blood sugar control in a major late-stage trial, marking a potential leap towards accessible, needle-free medication.
Impressive Clinical Trial Results
The phase three trial, spanning 72 weeks, involved more than 1,400 participants from ten countries. All participants were living with overweight or obesity and had type 2 diabetes, with an average starting weight of 16 stone (101.4kg) and an average HbA1c blood sugar level of 8.05 per cent.
Patients were split into groups receiving different doses of orforglipron or a placebo, while all followed a plan of healthy eating and physical exercise. The results, published in The Lancet, were striking. Those on the highest 36mg dose lost an average of 9.6 per cent of their body weight. This compared to an average loss of just 2.5 per cent in the placebo group.
Furthermore, the drug delivered powerful benefits for diabetes management. The highest dose saw HbA1c levels drop by 1.7 per cent on average, a significantly greater reduction than the 0.5 per cent seen with the placebo. This brings many users' blood sugar into a much safer range.
A Convenient and Potentially Cheaper Alternative
Orforglipron belongs to the same class of drugs as popular injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, known as GLP-1 agonists. These medications work by suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. However, this new treatment comes in a once-daily pill form, which could be a game-changer for patients uncomfortable with self-injection.
The pill format offers several practical advantages. It is easier to produce and transport than injectable alternatives, which suggests it could be a more affordable option. It can also be stored at room temperature and taken at any time of day, with or without food, offering greater flexibility for users.
The manufacturer, Lilly, reported that the side effects were primarily gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhoea, and were mostly classified as mild to moderate.
The Future of Weight Loss Medication in the UK
While existing GLP-1 injections have shown even greater weight loss in previous studies, experts emphasise that an effective oral medication is very good news. It provides a crucial alternative and could expand treatment access significantly.
Lilly has announced it plans to apply for approval to market orforglipron for type 2 diabetes next year and for weight management later in 2025. This timeline means the pill could be approved for NHS use as early as next year.
This development arrives at a critical time. Britain faces a severe obesity crisis, with two in three adults classed as overweight or obese. Weight-related illnesses cost the economy a staggering £74 billion annually. The arrival of a convenient, effective pill could be a vital tool in addressing this public health challenge, offering new hope to the estimated 2.5 million Britons already using weight loss injections.
