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Orforglipron, a new once-daily weight-loss pill developed by Eli Lilly, has shown significant promise in both weight loss and blood sugar control for individuals with type 2 diabetes. A large phase 3 clinical trial revealed that the pill can help users lose substantial weight while improving their glucose levels. The results were presented as part of a multinational study that included participants from the US, China, India, Japan, and Mexico. This breakthrough could offer a more convenient alternative to current weight-loss injections.

Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Improvements

The phase 3 study, which lasted 40 weeks, included 559 participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Those taking the highest dose of orforglipron (36mg) experienced an average weight loss of 7.3 kg (16 lbs), while also seeing significant reductions in blood sugar levels. In fact, some participants’ blood sugar levels dropped below the diabetes threshold.

Even those on lower doses still experienced positive results:

• 3mg dose: 4.5% reduction in body weight and a 1.2% drop in blood sugar
• 12mg dose: 5.8% weight loss and 1.4% glucose reduction
• 36mg dose: 7.6% weight loss and 1.5% reduction in blood sugar

These results suggest that orforglipron may be effective at treating both obesity and type 2 diabetes, improving the quality of life for many individuals struggling with these conditions.

A Scalable Alternative to Weight-Loss Injections

Orforglipron is part of the GLP-1 agonist class of drugs, which also includes well-known weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. However, unlike these injectable drugs, orforglipron comes in an easy-to-take pill form. This could make it a more accessible treatment option for people worldwide, particularly for those who find injections challenging or inconvenient.

Eli Lilly CEO, David Ricks, highlighted the pill’s potential in expanding accessibility to millions of people affected by obesity and type 2 diabetes. “As a convenient once-daily pill, orforglipron could be made widely available if approved,” Ricks explained.

Next Steps and Expert Reactions

Looking ahead, Eli Lilly plans to seek regulatory approval for orforglipron’s use in weight management later this year, with approval for type 2 diabetes expected in 2025. Experts have already begun weighing in on the significance of these promising results.

Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow praised the pill’s potential in transforming diabetes care. “It’s crucial to have oral options that not only lower glucose but also offer substantial weight loss. We’ll need more data on long-term heart health outcomes, but those trials are coming,” he noted.

A Major Step Forward in Diabetes and Obesity Treatment

The promising results from orforglipron’s phase 3 trial suggest that it could become a key treatment for two of the world’s most pressing health challenges: obesity and type 2 diabetes. If approved, orforglipron could offer a new, scalable solution for millions of people in need of better management options for these conditions.