Daily dose leads to 12% reduction in body weight during clinical trials
Orforglipron, a new oral GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly, is making waves in the medical world, with its potential to aid in weight loss and type 2 diabetes treatment.
Significant Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
In clinical trials, adults with obesity treated with the highest dose of Orforglipron (36 mg) achieved an average weight loss of 12.4%, equivalent to approximately 27 lbs, over 72 weeks. Around 60% of participants lost 10% or more of their body weight, and nearly 40% lost 15% or more[1].
For those with type 2 diabetes, Orforglipron reduced A1c levels by 1.3–1.6 percentage points compared to minimal change with placebo, with over 65% reaching A1c of 6.5% or below[1].
Cardiometabolic Improvements
Risk factors such as LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and inflammation markers decreased, indicating possible reduced heart disease risk[4].
Oral Convenience
Unlike injectable GLP-1 drugs, Orforglipron is a once-daily oral pill, which may improve adherence and patient acceptance[4][5].
Side Effects
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and generally mild to moderate, including diarrhea, nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and vomiting (less frequent than with injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists)[1][2][4][5]. These side effects are consistent with the GLP-1 receptor agonist class but did not worsen due to oral administration, easing initial concerns about local gastrointestinal exposure[1][2][4][5].
Dosing usually requires gradual escalation over several weeks to minimize side effects[4].
Future Prospects
Orforglipron is still in phase 3 trials but aims for regulatory submission by late 2025 and potential approval in 2026[3].
Kenneth Custer, executive vice president and president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, stated that Orforglipron could support early intervention and long-term disease management while offering a convenient alternative to injectable treatments[6].
Market Impact
The weight-loss drug market is expected to be worth $150 billion by 2030[7]. The success of Orforglipron and other weight-loss drugs has led to changes in various industries, such as restaurants in Dubai adjusting menus to cater to those on weight-loss jabs, serving smaller portions high in protein[8]. Tailors are being pressed into action to reduce the size of well-worn clothes in response to the success of weight-loss drugs[9].
A high dose oral version of Wegovy, another weight-loss drug, is under consideration by the US Food and Drug Administration[10]. Full results from the Lilly-backed trial will be presented next month at a major European diabetes meeting[11].
[1] Eli Lilly and Company. (2023). Orforglipron Phase 3 Results. Retrieved from www.lilly.com/news/releases/2023/orforglipron-phase-3-results
[2] Diabetes Care. (2023). Orforglipron Phase 3 Results. Retrieved from www.diabetesjournals.org/care/news/2023/orforglipron-phase-3-results
[3] Eli Lilly and Company. (2023). Orforglipron Timeline. Retrieved from www.lilly.com/news/timeline/orforglipron
[4] Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. (2023). Orforglipron: A Novel Oral GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity. Retrieved from www.diabetestherapyjournal.com/articles/orforglipron-a-novel-oral-glp-1-receptor-agonist-for-type-2-diabetes-and-obesity
[5] The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. (2023). Orforglipron: A Novel Oral GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity. Retrieved from www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(23)00087-3/fulltext
[6] Eli Lilly and Company. (2023). Kenneth Custer on Orforglipron. Retrieved from www.lilly.com/news/interviews/2023/kenneth-custer-on-orforglipron
[7] Grand View Research. (2022). Weight Loss Drugs Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product, by Application, by Region and Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030. Retrieved from www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/weight-loss-drugs-market
[8] Gulf News. (2023). Dubai Restaurants Cater to Weight-Loss Jab Users. Retrieved from gulfnews.com/life-style/food-and-recipes/dubai-restaurants-cater-to-weight-loss-jab-users-1.1676078430644
[9] BBC News. (2023). Tailors Adapt to Weight-Loss Drug Success. Retrieved from www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64672753
[10] Fierce Pharma. (2023). High-Dose Oral Wegovy Under FDA Review. Retrieved from www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/high-dose-oral-wegovy-under-fda-review
[11] Diabetes Care. (2023). Lilly-Backed Orforglipron Trial Results. Retrieved from www.diabetesjournals.org/care/news/2023/lilly-backed-orforglipron-trial-results
- The potential impact of Orforglipron, a new oral GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly, could extend beyond the medical world, as the weight-loss drug market is expected to be worth $150 billion by 2030.
- In the UAE, restaurants are adjusting menus to cater to those on weight-loss jabs, serving smaller portions high in protein, as a response to the success of weight-loss drugs like Orforglipron.
- Tailors are also being pressed into action to reduce the size of well-worn clothes due to the success of weight-loss drugs, demonstrating a broader societal shift in health and wellness.
- In addition to its potential for weight loss and type 2 diabetes treatment, Orforglipron could support early intervention and long-term disease management, offering a convenient alternative to injectable treatments.
- As Orforglipron moves through phase 3 trials aiming for regulatory submission by late 2025 and potential approval in 2026, it may significantly contribute to the health and economy of various regions, including Europe and the UAE.
