A daily weight loss pill has shown promise in helping users lose up to 20% of their body weight in a significant trial. This medication, known as orforglipron, is an oral form of the GLP-1 injections that are popular globally. The study, conducted by Canadian researchers and funded by Eli Lilly, involved over 3,000 obese individuals across nine countries.
Participants were randomly assigned to take one of three doses or a placebo over a 72-week period. The results were shared at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes’ Annual Meeting in Vienna, Austria, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
According to the study, patients who took the highest dose of orforglipron lost an average of 11.2% of their body weight; with over one-third achieving at least a 15% reduction, and nearly a fifth seeing at least a 20% reduction.
Mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects were noted, as seen with other weight loss medications.
The researchers highlighted that while injectable drugs tend to result in greater weight loss on average, not all patients can tolerate these injections.
Dr. Sean Wharton, the study’s lead from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, stated: “This could broaden obesity intervention options for those currently left out due to the high cost and limited access to injectable treatments.”
Eli Lilly announced intentions to seek global approval, including from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), by year-end.
Experts have said a widely-available weight loss bill that is cheaper and easier to access could help meet high demand for GLP-1 medications.
James O’Loan, chief executive and superintendent pharmacist at Chemist4U, said an effective pill “could make treatment more accessible, less intimidating, and easier to integrate into daily routines”.
He added: “While injectable GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have already shown strong results for weight management, many people find the idea of weekly injections off putting.
“Orforglipron could offer a simpler alternative: one tablet taken once a day. For those who are needle-phobic or who prefer the convenience of oral medication, this could make a real difference.
“A pill form also makes travelling easier and removes the need for needle disposal.”
