Eli Lilly's Orforglipron: A Game-Changer in Diabetes Weight Loss

Eli Lilly announced that its experimental pill, Orforglipron, has successfully helped overweight adults with type 2 diabetes lose 10.5% of their body weight in a late-stage trial. The once-daily GLP-1 pill also assisted 75% of patients in achieving blood sugar levels at or below 6.5%, surpassing the American Diabetes Association's target.

Orforglipron, a small-molecule pill, presents a potentially disruptive alternative to current injectable obesity drugs, due to its ease of manufacturing. The 72-week study revealed that those on the highest dose experienced significant weight reduction, averaging about 23 pounds, compared to a 2.2% decrease in the placebo group.

Lilly is preparing to file for regulatory approvals with complete clinical data. While earlier trials in non-diabetic adults showed Orforglipron approaching results similar to rival Wegovy, analysts expressed concerns over side effects like nausea. Despite some dropout rates, no liver issues were reported, and the drug demonstrated improved heart-health markers.

(With inputs from agencies.)