Eli Lilly’s Oral Weight Loss Drug Shows Promise in Late-Stage Diabetes Trial

Eli Lilly has announced positive results from a late-stage clinical trial of its experimental weight loss pill, orforglipron, in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The once-daily tablet demonstrated significant reductions in both blood sugar levels and body weight, with a safety profile comparable to current injectable treatments on the market.

This trial marks a major milestone for Eli Lilly, moving the pharmaceutical giant closer to launching a convenient, needle-free alternative in the rapidly growing weight loss and diabetes drug market. Orforglipron’s success could position Lilly ahead of competitors like Novo Nordisk, especially given its easier production and potential for mass distribution.

Weight Loss Results and Safety Profile

At the highest tested dose, participants lost an average of 7.9% of their body weight—roughly 16 pounds—after 40 weeks of treatment. Notably, weight loss did not plateau by the end of the study, suggesting continued benefits beyond the trial period.

While previous research has shown that patients with Type 2 diabetes often lose less weight than those without the condition, the results from orforglipron remain promising. Importantly, side effects were mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues. Around 8% of patients discontinued the drug due to these effects, with 14% reporting vomiting, and 16% and 26% experiencing nausea and diarrhoea, respectively.

What’s Next for Orforglipron?

The trial is one of seven late-stage studies currently underway for orforglipron—five focused on diabetes and two on obesity. Eli Lilly aims to submit the drug for regulatory approval as an obesity treatment by the end of 2025, followed by a diabetes indication in 2026.

Should it gain approval, orforglipron could ease the ongoing supply constraints seen with injectable GLP-1 drugs and increase access for patients globally. Lilly CEO David Ricks emphasised the drug’s scalable manufacturing capabilities, which could support worldwide distribution.

A Game-Changer in the GLP-1 Space

As the first oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist in late-stage development, orforglipron could give Lilly a major competitive edge. Unlike peptide-based drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, Lilly’s pill is more readily absorbed and does not require strict dietary protocols, making it more user-friendly.

The GLP-1 drug market is expected to exceed $150 billion annually by the early 2030s, with oral GLP-1 treatments projected to account for up to $50 billion of that figure. Eli Lilly is currently leading the pack, ahead of other companies such as AstraZeneca, Roche, Structure Therapeutics, and Viking Therapeutics, which are also racing to develop similar medications.

Summary

Eli Lilly’s orforglipron could represent a significant breakthrough in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. With strong efficacy, a favourable safety profile, and the convenience of a once-daily pill, the drug may reshape the competitive landscape and offer patients a more accessible alternative to injectable therapies.

(Sources: CNBC, ChatGPT)