Eli Lilly's Orforglipron Pill Shows Promising Results for Weight Loss, Diabetes Management

Eli Lilly's new oral GLP-1 pill, orforglipron, demonstrated weight loss and blood sugar control similar to leading injectable drugs like Ozempic in a late-stage trial involving people with type 2 diabetes. Participants lost an average of 16 pounds, or about 8% of their body weight, over 40 weeks, and the drug also significantly reduced blood sugar levels. Unlike current GLP-1 treatments that require refrigeration and injections, orforglipron is a once-daily, room-temperature pill, potentially making it a more accessible and less expensive option. Analysts noted minimal side effects, with only an 8% discontinuation rate on the highest dose, and no new safety concerns were reported. Lilly plans to seek regulatory approval for orforglipron for weight loss by the end of the year, and for diabetes in 2026, aiming for a global launch without supply constraints. The pill could expand access for patients uncomfortable with injections and help ease current supply shortages of GLP-1 medications.