Eli Lilly’s New Weight Loss Pill Passes Through Phase 3 Trial

livewell
April 18, 2025
Noah Bennett

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has announced promising results from a late-stage clinical trial of its new oral weight loss and diabetes medication, orforglipron, marking a potential breakthrough in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The trial demonstrated that patients taking orforglipron experienced nearly an 8% reduction in body weight over 40 weeks, alongside significant improvements in blood sugar control.

A Convenient Alternative to Injectable Treatments

Orforglipron belongs to the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist class, which includes popular injectable drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.

Unlike existing treatments, orforglipron is a once-daily pill that can be taken at any time without restrictions on food or fluid intake, offering a more convenient and accessible alternative for patients.

What was in the Clinical Trial Results?

The clinical trial involved 559 participants with type 2 diabetes, who saw an average weight loss of up to 16 pounds (approximately 7.9% of body weight) at the highest dosage. Importantly, weight loss had not plateaued by the end of the study, suggesting further reductions may be possible with continued use.

Additionally, participants experienced an average A1C reduction of 1.3% to 1.6%, with over 65% achieving an A1C level of 6.5% or lower, meeting the American Diabetes Association’s target for diabetes management.

Positive Industry and Investor Response

Eli Lilly’s CEO, David A. Ricks, expressed optimism about the results, highlighting the drug’s safety, tolerability, and potential for large-scale production and global distribution. He stated and quoted on usatoday.com:

“We are delighted to find that our newest incretin medication aligns with our expectations regarding safety, tolerability, glucose regulation, and weight management. We eagerly anticipate further data releases later this year.”

Following the announcement, Eli Lilly’s stock price surged approximately 14–16%, reflecting strong investor confidence in the drug’s potential.

Competitive Edge in the Weight Loss Market

The positive trial data poses a competitive challenge to other pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Pfizer, who are developing oral weight loss drugs but have faced setbacks.

Pfizer recently halted its obesity pill development due to safety concerns, while Novo Nordisk’s oral GLP-1 pill, Rybelsus, has not matched the weight loss efficacy of injectable options and requires fasting before and after dosing.

Manageable Side Effects and Safety Profile

Side effects reported in the orforglipron trial were consistent with those seen in injectable GLP-1 therapies, including nausea (13–18%), diarrhea (19–26%), vomiting (5–14%), and constipation. Notably, no liver toxicity was observed, which has been a key concern for competitors’ drugs.

The manageable side effects, combined with the pill’s convenience, could make orforglipron a game-changer for the estimated one billion people worldwide suffering from obesity who may be reluctant or unable to use injections.

Looking Ahead: Regulatory Approvals and Market Impact

Eli Lilly is already building inventory and plans to seek regulatory approval by the end of 2025 for obesity and in early 2026 for diabetes treatment. With further trials underway and regulatory submissions planned, orforglipron could revolutionize the weight loss and diabetes treatment market, expanding access to life-changing therapies for millions globally.