Eli Lilly has reported positive results from a clinical trial of its daily pill orforglipron, which caused significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. The company plans to seek FDA approval for the medication by the end of this year, providing an alternative to injectable drugs that are already on the market.
The trial involved 3,127 adults who received one of three doses of orforglipron or a placebo for 72 weeks. Those taking the highest dose lost an average of 27.3 pounds, or 12.4% of their body weight. The medication also showed improvements in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure levels.
The side effects reported were mostly gastrointestinal, including constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and indigestion. Eli Lilly will publish detailed results later this year.
Unlike injectable drugs, orforglipron’s manufacturing process is more straightforward, with potential benefits for countries unable to produce cold sterile drugs on a large scale. However, some experts argue that the pill may not be as effective as injected drugs in helping people lose weight.
Eli Lilly will not announce a price for orforglipron until it is approved for marketing. The company sees significant investment and growth opportunities with this medication, which could potentially make a substantial impact on obesity treatment if marketed at a lower cost.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/health/obesity-pill-eli-lilly.html