Eli Lilly is advancing its research on orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 medication designed to treat Type 2 diabetes and assist with weight loss management. The pharmaceutical company plans to file data on orforglipron for both indications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in due course. They hope to file the weight loss application by the close of this year and are aiming to submit the diabetes data in early 2026.
In recent Phase 3 clinical trials with more than 550 adults, orforglipron proved impressive and promising. Participants enjoyed an average reduction in their hemoglobin A1C levels of between 1.3% and 1.6%. Furthermore, the medication made it possible to lose an average of 16 pounds—roughly 7.9% of participants’ body weight.
Orforglipron is not currently FDA-approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes or for weight loss. If the drug gets approved, it will provide patients a new option to current treatment options. This is on top of Rybelsus (semaglutide), which is the other GLP-1 oral medication.
The safety and efficacy profile of orforglipron thus far seems in line with those of today’s injectable GLP-1s. The most common side effects have been mild to moderate nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and indigestion.
David A. Ricks, chair and CEO of Eli Lilly’s global health unit, said that the unprecedented action should inspire the development of other transformative medicines.
“As a convenient once-daily pill, orforglipron may provide a new option and, if approved, could be readily manufactured and launched at scale for use by people around the world,” – David A. Ricks.
The approval of orforglipron marks an exciting new advance in diabetes treatment options. That’s why the health care community is looking for creative new ways to beat back Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Eli Lilly’s work could help create new therapeutic options for patients.
