Eli Lilly's trial for its new obesity pill, orforglipron, has shown promising results, with participants losing an average of 12% of their body weight over 72 weeks. The drug, which is not yet licensed, is expected to be available next year. It functions by suppressing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness.
In a significant trial, patients taking the highest dosage lost approximately 12 kilograms (nearly two stone) over a 16-month period. However, some participants experienced side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, leading about 10% to discontinue use. Alongside weight loss, participants also saw improvements in cholesterol levels, blood fats, and blood pressure.
Dr. Kenneth Custer of Eli Lilly indicated that the company plans to submit the drug for licensing by the end of the year and is preparing for a global launch aimed at addressing obesity as a critical public health issue. While orforglipron shows effectiveness, it is noted to be less potent than current injectable treatments, such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, which can achieve weight loss of around 22%. Despite this, there is anticipated demand for an oral option, as it may offer a more accessible and needle-free alternative for patients.
In the broader context of the obesity treatment market, experts express hope that orforglipron will be priced more affordably than existing injectables, potentially increasing access for a wider range of patients. Full trial results are set to be presented at the upcoming European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting and will subsequently be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Meanwhile, rival manufacturer Novo Nordisk has also submitted its own oral version of the injectable Wegovy for approval, which has reported a weight loss of around 15% in trials.