A new daily weight-loss pill, orforglipron, has shown significant results in a phase 3 clinical trial, helping participants lose weight and reduce blood sugar levels. The trial, conducted by Eli Lilly, enrolled 559 obese adults with type 2 diabetes from the US, China, India, Japan, and Mexico.
Participants who took a 36mg dose lost an average of 7.3kg (16lbs) over 40 weeks, with weight reductions of 4.5% on 3mg, 5.8% on 12mg, and 7.6% on 36mg doses. The pill also lowered blood sugar by 1.2% to 1.5%, in some cases bringing levels below the diabetes threshold.
Orforglipron is a daily pill version of GLP-1 agonists, the class of drugs used in injections like Wegovy and Ozempic. Eli Lilly's CEO David Ricks highlighted the potential for widespread use if approved, noting the convenience of a once-daily pill.
Professor Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow called the results important for future type 2 diabetes care, though he noted that effects on cardiovascular outcomes are not yet known. The company plans to apply for approval for weight management later this year and for type 2 diabetes next year.
