Eli Lilly is developing a new weight-loss pill with up to 8% weight reduction

Eli Lilly’s new oral weight-loss therapy shows up to 8% reduction in body weight in clinical trials. This was reported by Euronews.

The drug, called orforglipron, is a daily pill that can be taken without food or water restrictions. In a study published in the journal The Lancet, participants lost an average of between 6% and 8% of their body weight over one year, compared to 4% to 5% for those taking oral semaglutide.

Injectable GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro remain the most popular weight reduction therapies. However, pharmaceutical companies are actively developing tablet forms for greater convenience and accessibility.

Currently, Novo Nordisk holds the authorization for the only oral GLP-1 therapy on the market. With orforglipron, Eli Lilly aims to increase competition in the segment.

The medication does not yet have marketing authorization and is currently undergoing regulatory evaluation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company reports that, upon potential approval, the price in the US will start at $149 for the lowest dose. It could reach up to $399 per month without insurance coverage.

The study included over 1,600 people from more than 130 centers across five countries. All participants had type 2 diabetes and were assigned different doses of orforglipron (12 mg and 36 mg) or equivalent doses of semaglutide for a period of one year.

Approximately 60% of patients taking orforglipron achieved at least a 5% weight reduction, compared to approximately 40% with semaglutide. Between 28% and 44% of those treated with orforglipron reduced their weight by 10% or more, compared to 13% to 21% with the other therapy.

Furthermore, the new pill showed a superior reduction in blood sugar levels. According to the study’s authors, a weight reduction of 5–10% in patients with type 2 diabetes can improve glycemic control, while a larger reduction can decrease the risk of complications.

Despite the positive results, more adverse reactions were observed with orforglipron. About 9–10% of participants discontinued treatment due to gastrointestinal complaints, compared to about 5% in the semaglutide group.

Experts point out that the tolerability of the therapy in real-world conditions and its long-term safety remain important questions. The study lasted one year and focused on the effect on weight and blood sugar; data regarding cardiovascular outcomes and the sustainability of the effect over a longer period are yet to be clarified.