Recent research presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Vienna has revealed promising results for orforglipron, a new oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. Conducted by Dr. Sean Wharton and colleagues, the study focused on the medication's efficacy and safety for individuals with obesity but without type 2 diabetes. The findings were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
In this phase 3 trial, 3,127 participants from nine countries were randomized to receive either orforglipron at doses of 6 mg, 12 mg, or 36 mg, or a placebo, all while following a healthy diet and exercise regimen over 72 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in body weight from baseline to week 72. Results indicated that participants receiving the highest dose of 36 mg experienced an average weight reduction of 11.2%, with 54.6% of those participants losing 10% or more of their body weight.
Additionally, improvements were noted in various cardiometabolic parameters, including waist circumference and blood lipid levels. However, adverse events, primarily gastrointestinal issues, were reported, leading to treatment discontinuation in a minority of participants.
The study authors acknowledged limitations, including the absence of direct comparisons with currently approved obesity medications and potential biases related to BMI classification. Nonetheless, they emphasized the trial's strengths, such as its diverse participant pool.
Orforglipron, which is still awaiting approval from regulatory authorities like the FDA, may offer a novel treatment avenue for obesity management, particularly for those limited by injectable therapies. The research highlights the potential for significant weight loss and improved health outcomes associated with this new oral medication.