Eli Lilly's Orforglipron Pill Shows Weight Loss in Phase 3 Trial

Eli Lilly and Company has announced promising results from a phase 3 clinical trial of orforglipron, a daily oral pill designed to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. The trial, involving over 1,600 participants from 10 countries including the United States, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, and India, demonstrated that the drug led to significant weight loss and improved blood sugar control after 72 weeks, positioning it as a convenient alternative to injectable treatments.

Conducted between 2022 and 2024, the double-blind, randomized study enrolled adults with a body mass index of 27 or higher and type 2 diabetes. Participants received lifestyle counseling on diet and exercise, alongside either a low dose of 6 milligrams, a medium dose of 12 milligrams, a high dose of 36 milligrams of orforglipron, or a placebo pill daily. All groups showed some weight reduction, but those on the active drug experienced greater benefits. On average, the high-dose group lost 9.6 percent of their body weight, the medium-dose group lost 7 percent, and the low-dose group lost 5.1 percent. In comparison, the placebo group lost 2.5 percent.

The drug also lowered blood sugar levels, with the...