Orforglipron Shows Modest Results
Eli Lilly’s new daily GLP-1 pill, orforglipron, has promoted an average weight loss of 12.4% body weight over 72 weeks. Meanwhile, participants on placebo lost only 0.9% over the samer period. These findings are the outcome of the Phase 3 ATTAIN-1 trial of which more than 3,100 obese or overweight adults took part.
Still, the results are not as meaningful as those of Wegovy, a rival injectable GLP-1 drug by Novo Nordisk. In Wegovy trials, participants lost an average of 14-20% of their body weight over similar periods. As such, Eli Lilly shares experienced a 10% decline as investors are reacting with caution.
How Orforglipron Works
Orforglipron is a non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist that patients take once daily.
Unlike some oral weight-loss drugs, it does not require fasting before or after use. Additionally, it is stable at room temperature and avoids the need for refrigeration, unlike certain injectable alternatives. Overall, this convenience may encourage broader patient adoption.
“With orforglipron, we’re working to transform obesity care by introducing a potential once-daily oral therapy that could support early intervention and long-term disease management, while offering a convenient alternative to injectable treatments,” Lilly executive vice president and Cardiometabolic Health president Kenneth Custer told ABC News.
“With these positive data in hand, we are now planning to submit orforglipron for regulatory review by year-end and are prepared for a global launch to address this urgent public health need.”
Orforglipron Side Effects and Tolerability
Notably, the trial reported mostly gastrointestinal side effects. Nausea was the most common issue, followed by occasional vomiting and abdominal discomfort.
Meanwhile, about 10% of patients in the highest-dose group discontinued treatment due to side effects. Despite this, tolerability was generally consistent with other GLP-1 medications.
Nevertheless, researchers emphasized that safety findings were in line with expectations. Furthermore, most side effects were mild to moderate and improved over time.
Advantages Over Injectables
Despite its lower efficacy compared to leading injectables, orforglipron offers clear logistical benefits. Patients take it orally once a day without dietary restrictions, simplifying adherence.
Moreover, manufacturing and distribution could be cheaper without cold-chain requirements, potentially lowering costs for health systems and patients.
Overall, these factors could make it an appealing choice for those hesitant about injections. In addition, it may serve as a stepping-stone for patients who later consider stronger injectable options.
Regulatory Path and Market Outlook
Lilly plans to file for US regulatory approval for orforglipron by the end of 2025. Later this year, the company will publish the full data from the ATTAIN-1 trial.
Meanwhile, additional long-term studies will explore the durability of weight loss and effects on related conditions like type 2 diabetes.
If the FDA grants approval, orforglipron could challenge oral semaglutide, which requires stricter dosing rules. Still, competition from Novo Nordisk’s strong injectable portfolio remains intense.
Conclusion
Orforglipron’s trial results demonstrate meaningful weight loss with the convenience of a daily pill. While it trails injectables in raw effectiveness, its accessibility and ease of use could expand obesity treatment options for millions. The coming year will be critical as Lilly seeks approval and positions the drug in a rapidly growing market.
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