Eli Lilly has announced promising results from its experimental pill, orforglipron, which could serve as an alternative to blockbuster injectable medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The oral medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that can increase insulin sensitivity, delay stomach emptying, and curb hunger.
The company conducted a Phase 3 trial over 40 weeks, which showed lower A1C levels by an average of 1.3% to 1.6% across doses, as well as reduced weight by an average of 16 pounds (7.9%) at the highest dose. People without diabetes are expected to lose more weight on the drug.
Orforglipron “meets our expectations for safety and tolerability,” matching injectable GLP-1 drugs’ safety profile, according to Lilly CEO David Ricks. The company expects to deliver further results this year and request regulatory approval for the drug in 2025 for diabetes treatment and 2026.
The pill’s convenience may help reduce weight loss drug shortages, as it can be launched at scale worldwide without supply constraints. Additionally, orforglipron is being studied as a potential treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension in adults with obesity.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/04/17/lilly-weight-loss-drug-pill-diabetes