Indianapolis, Indiana — Eli Lilly’s new oral anti-obesity medication, orforglipron, has shown promising results in a recent Phase 3 trial, suggesting that it may rival established injectable treatments like Ozempic in aiding weight loss and lowering blood sugar among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Findings from the study were presented at the American Diabetes Association’s annual meeting and published in a respected medical journal.
The pharmaceutical company, already known for its injectable GLP-1 drug, tirzepatide, aims to enhance treatment options for patients who prefer oral medications over injections due to convenience or needle aversion. Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, is used for treating type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is focused on weight management and obstructive sleep apnea.
Kenneth Custer, president of cardiometabolic health at Eli Lilly, emphasized the significance of orforglipron’s efficacy and safety profile, stating that it mirrors the effectiveness of top GLP-1 injectables. The company is gearing up to seek regulatory approval for the pill for weight management by the year’s end, with plans to pursue approval for diabetes treatment in 2026.
In this 40-week trial, 559 participants with type 2 diabetes were administered varying doses of orforglipron—3, 12, and 36 milligrams—while a control group received a placebo. The results indicated significant improvements in blood sugar levels across all doses, with the highest dosage leading to an average weight reduction of 7.9%, equating to about 16 pounds. These results are comparable to those observed in studies involving similar injectable GLP-1 medications.
Participants took the pill once daily, with no restrictions regarding food or liquids. The study began with a lower dose, gradually increasing every four weeks, a strategy similar to current injection protocols that help reduce side effects. While orforglipron did present gastrointestinal challenges—such as diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and constipation—its side effect profile was consistent with those reported in existing GLP-1 medications.
Currently, an oral form of semaglutide, marketed as Rybelsus, has been available since 2019 but lacks approval for weight loss and is less effective than its injectable counterparts. An oral formulation dedicated specifically to obesity could broaden treatment options for patients and increase accessibility to essential medications.
Producing pills typically incurs lower manufacturing costs and may aid in reducing shortages often experienced with injectable drugs. Unlike injectable GLP-1s that require refrigeration to maintain their potency, oral medications would be easier to transport and store, thus making them available in regions lacking the necessary infrastructure.
Priya Jaisinghani, a specialist in diabetes and obesity medicine, highlighted the potential benefits of orforglipron’s convenience. Enhanced adherence to treatment regimens could lead to improved outcomes for patients with chronic conditions, she noted, emphasizing that consistent use is crucial for the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications.
As Eli Lilly prepares for regulatory submissions, the pharmaceutical landscape may see significant shifts, potentially offering patients a more accessible and easier option for managing weight and diabetes effectively.