A once-a-day pill from Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE:LLY) has helped patients lose up to 20% of their body weight in trials, raising hopes of a more convenient alternative to injectable obesity drugs.
The tablet, called orforglipron, works in the same way as blockbuster injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, targeting GLP-1 receptors to suppress appetite, slow digestion and improve blood sugar control.
Unlike injections, however, pills are easier to store and distribute, and are expected to be cheaper.
The study, involving 3,127 adults across nine countries, tested different doses of orforglipron against a placebo over 72 weeks. Patients taking the highest daily dose lost an average of 11.2% of their body weight.
More than half shed at least 10%, over a third lost 15% or more, and nearly one in five achieved a reduction of 20% or greater. Even the lowest dose produced average weight loss of 7.5%.
Researchers also reported improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and waist size. Side effects were mostly mild digestive issues, consistent with other GLP-1 drugs.