Eli Lilly’s Daily GLP-1 Pill Could Match Weekly Shots in Weight Loss Trials

Eli Lilly announced promising results for its new daily GLP-1 pill, suggesting it may be as effective as current weekly injectable treatments for weight loss. The oral medication, orforglipron, demonstrated an average weight reduction of up to 27.3 pounds in overweight and obese adults over 72 weeks in a Phase 3 clinical trial.

The study involved more than 3,100 participants, with those taking the highest 36 mg dose of orforglipron losing around 12% of their body weight. This positions the daily pill as a potential alternative to injectable GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound, also made by Eli Lilly.

“We’re working to transform obesity care by offering a once-daily oral therapy that supports early intervention and long-term management,” said Kenneth Custer, EVP and president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health.

Oral Pill Shows Cardiometabolic Benefits Too

In addition to weight loss, trial participants showed improvements in key cardiovascular markers, including:

  • Lower systolic blood pressure

  • Reduced non-HDL cholesterol

  • Lower triglyceride levels

Roughly 10% of those on the highest dose discontinued use, according to Lilly.

Side Effects Consistent with Injectables

Reported side effects were similar to existing injectable GLP-1 drugs. The most common issues were mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as:

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Indigestion

  • Vomiting

Benefits for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Orforglipron also showed positive outcomes for adults with Type 2 diabetes. Earlier results from April indicated reductions in hemoglobin A1C—a key marker for blood sugar control—along with weight loss benefits.

Doctors note that patients hesitant about injectables may prefer the convenience of oral medications, which are also cheaper to manufacture, potentially lowering costs for consumers.

Global Launch Expected by Late 2025

Eli Lilly plans to submit the pill for global regulatory approval by the end of 2025. It joins Novo Nordisk, which is also seeking approval for an oral version of its Wegovy (semaglutide) treatment.

Regulators will review further data to confirm the pill’s safety, tolerability, and long-term effectiveness before any approvals are granted.

SOURCE: ABC News