Eli Lilly says GLP-1 pill for diabetes and weight loss effective in study, plans to seek FDA approval

Eli Lilly and Co., the pharmaceutical giant known for medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro, has recently announced a major breakthrough in the world of diabetes treatment. The company revealed the success of its Phase 3 clinical trial for a once-daily GLP-1 pill, which is an oral form of a highly effective diabetes and weight loss medication.
This new pill, known as orforglipron, was tested for its efficacy and safety in adults with Type 2 diabetes compared to a placebo. The results of the trial were impressive, showing that the pill was able to reduce A1C levels, a blood marker for diabetes, by an average of 1.3% to 1.6% across different doses after 40 weeks of treatment. Additionally, participants who took the highest dose of the pill also experienced an average weight loss of 16 pounds.
One of the most exciting aspects of this new medication is that it offers a convenient alternative to injections, as it is the first small molecule oral GLP-1 to succeed in a Phase 3 trial. Eli Lilly has announced plans to submit orforglipron to the FDA for approval as a Type 2 diabetes treatment in 2026, and for weight management by the end of this year. The company is confident in its ability to launch the drug globally without any supply constraints, furthering its mission to combat chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Louis Aronne, a renowned expert in obesity treatment and consultant for Eli Lilly, has described the new drug as “transformational.” He believes that the convenience and effectiveness of orforglipron could revolutionize diabetes and weight management treatment worldwide. With the potential for widespread distribution and no need for refrigeration, this pill has the potential to make a significant impact on the healthcare industry.
In conclusion, Eli Lilly’s groundbreaking development of orforglipron represents a significant advancement in diabetes and weight management treatment. If approved, this new medication could offer a game-changing solution for millions of adults worldwide who are affected by Type 2 diabetes. The future looks bright for this innovative pill, and it has the potential to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of individuals everywhere.