A new daily pill developed by Eli Lilly is showing strong results in helping people lose weight and control blood sugar levels. The medication, called orforglipron, could soon become a popular option for those with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
In a recent global clinical trial, participants who took the highest dose of orforglipron lost significant weight over 40 weeks. The study included more than 550 adults with type 2 diabetes from five countries. Those on the 36mg dose lost an average of 7.3 kilograms (around 16 pounds). Many also saw their blood sugar levels fall to below the diabetes threshold.
Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company behind the drug, says it plans to seek approval from health regulators this year for weight loss and next year for diabetes treatment. If approved, the pill could offer a new needle-free option for millions of people seeking safe and effective weight-loss therapy.
How the Pill Works: A Daily Oral GLP-1 Agonist
Orforglipron belongs to the same drug family as well-known treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy. These are called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by mimicking a hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite. But unlike those drugs, which are given as injections, orforglipron comes in pill form and is taken once daily.
This could make it much easier for people to stick to their treatment. “This may offer a convenient global solution,” said Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks.
The study tested three different doses: 3mg, 12mg, and 36mg. The smaller doses showed less dramatic weight loss—about 4.5% to 5.8% of body weight—but still improved blood sugar levels by 1.2% to 1.5%.
Safety and Side Effects: What the Trial Found
The 40-week phase 3 clinical trial showed that orforglipron is generally safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects were mild and included nausea and digestive discomfort, similar to other drugs in this class.
Eli Lilly confirmed the pill met key safety and performance goals. These results are encouraging for patients who want a treatment that does not require injections or complex routines.
Full data from the trial will be presented at the American Diabetes Association meeting in June and published in a peer-reviewed journal afterward.
Expert Reactions: A Gamechanger for Obesity and Diabetes?
Health experts are optimistic about orforglipron’s potential. Professor Naveed Sattar, a diabetes expert from the University of Glasgow, called the findings “important.” He added, “Weight loss beyond most existing therapies is vital for better diabetes care.”
Sattar also noted that more research is needed to see how the pill affects heart health, as long-term cardiovascular outcomes were not included in the current trial.
The pill could be especially useful in countries with high obesity rates. In the United Kingdom, for example, two-thirds of adults are overweight, and over 5 million people have type 2 diabetes.
Why It Matters: A New Option Without Needles
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are growing public health issues worldwide. Treatments that are both effective and easy to use are urgently needed. Many patients are hesitant to take injectable drugs, making a pill like orforglipron an appealing choice.
If regulators approve it, orforglipron could widen access to care, especially in countries with limited medical infrastructure or high demand for non-invasive solutions.
For now, Eli Lilly continues to collect data and prepare for the next steps in the approval process.
Eli Lilly plans to submit its data to U.S. and international regulatory bodies later this year. If approved, orforglipron could hit the market soon after. The company also intends to run additional studies to explore the pill’s effects on heart health, long-term safety, and outcomes across different age groups.