A groundbreaking oral weight loss medication, orforglipron, has shown promising results in phase 3 clinical trials, positioning it as a potential alternative to injectable GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Developed by Eli Lilly, the drug demonstrated significant weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic health, according to the press release.
The ATTAIN-1 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, evaluated orforglipron’s safety and efficacy in adults with weight-related medical issues but no diabetes. Participants underwent 72 weeks of treatment with three doses, with the highest dose resulting in an average weight loss of 27.3 pounds. Nearly 60% of participants lost 10% of their body weight, while 39.6% lost at least 15%.
The study also found that participants with pre-diabetes achieved nearly normal blood sugar levels, with up to 91% showing improvements. Orforglipron showed clinically meaningful reductions in cardiovascular risk factors like non-HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and triglycerides. Additionally, the drug reduced inflammation markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, by 47.7%.
Despite its benefits, the drug is not without side effects, which were primarily gastrointestinal. However, the safety profile was consistent with existing GLP-1 medications. Researchers, including Sean Wharton, M.D., emphasized the need for effective and manageable weight loss treatments, noting that orforglipron could significantly impact public health by reducing obesity-related risks.
Eli Lilly is planning to seek approval for orforglipron as an obesity drug by 2026, with potential applications for type 2 diabetes treatment. Analysts suggest the drug could be fast-tracked by the FDA, reflecting its potential to address the rising cost and accessibility issues of injectable weight loss medications. While medical experts like Sue Decotiis acknowledge its advantages, they also caution about potential long-term effects and emphasize the importance of considering peptide-based alternatives in future developments.