On the back of the popularity of Ozempic for weight loss, the new pill could broaden access globally.
Eli Lilly has announced promising results from a Phase 3 clinical trial of orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist designed to treat type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss. The 40-week study involved 559 adults across multiple countries, including the U.S., China, India, Japan, and Mexico. Participants taking orforglipron experienced significant reductions in A1C levels—between 1.3% and 1.6%—compared to a 0.1% decrease in the placebo group. Additionally, those on the highest dose lost an average of 7.9% of their body weight.
Unlike existing GLP-1 therapies such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, which require injections, orforglipron is administered orally, potentially increasing accessibility for patients averse to needles. The drug does not necessitate dietary restrictions and can be taken without food and water limitations, offering greater convenience. Common side effects reported include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, but no serious liver issues were observed—a notable distinction from similar drugs like Pfizer’s danuglipron, which was discontinued due to safety concerns. Eli Lilly plans to seek regulatory approval for orforglipron as a weight-loss treatment by the end of 2025 and for type 2 diabetes in 2026.
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Context & Background
GLP-1 receptor agonists have become a cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, with injectable medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro leading the market. These drugs mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. However, the requirement for injections has been a barrier for some patients. The development of oral GLP-1 therapies aims to address this issue by offering a more convenient administration method.
Orforglipron, developed by Eli Lilly, represents a significant advancement in this area. Unlike Novo Nordisk’s oral GLP-1 drug Rybelsus, which has strict intake conditions, orforglipron can be taken without food and water restrictions, potentially offering more convenience to patients. If approved, Lilly aims to launch orforglipron globally with confidence in sufficient supply, addressing current shortages of weight loss medications. The company plans to seek regulatory approval for weight management by 2025 and for diabetes treatment by 2026.
In This Story
Eli Lilly and Company
A global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, known for developing medications in areas such as diabetes, oncology, and neuroscience.
Orforglipron
An experimental oral GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Ozempic
An injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk, used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight management.
Mounjaro
An injectable medication developed by Eli Lilly, approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and under investigation for weight management.
Rybelsus
An oral GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk, used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Pfizer
A global pharmaceutical corporation headquartered in New York City.
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