A new daily weight loss pill has shown promising results in clinical trials, with participants shedding an average of 12.3 kilograms over 72 weeks. The tablet could offer a convenient alternative to weight loss injections for millions of people struggling with obesity.
Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly announced it expects substantial demand when the new pill, called orforglipron, launches. The company said it will seek approval from international regulators following the publication of results from a large-scale study.
Revolutionary pill shows promise
The new medication is a GLP-1 agonist, which helps lower blood sugar levels, slows food digestion and reduces appetite. Eli Lilly also manufactures Mounjaro, dubbed the "King Kong of weight loss jabs".
Weight loss injections have been hailed as transformative by health leaders but come with additional burdens for overstretched health services. Tablet forms of medication are expected to be cheaper and easier to use, offering new hope for weight management.
Significant weight reduction achieved
The study of 3,127 adults who were obese or overweight showed impressive results. Three in five people taking the highest dose lost at least 10 per cent of their body weight, while 40 per cent lost at least 15 per cent.
Participants also experienced other health benefits including improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure and heart disease risk. The study results will be presented to the European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting 2025.
Experts highlight key differences
However, experts noted the tablet did not yield the same benefits as some weight loss jabs but would be more "tolerable" for many patients. Dr Simon Cork from Anglia Ruskin University said the effects were "not as profound" as injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy.
"Nevertheless, that this medication is an oral form, rather than injectable, will likely be seen as more tolerable for many patients," Cork said. He added that manufacturing costs are anticipated to be significantly lower than injectable drugs.
Safety profile mirrors existing drugs
Eli Lilly said the safety profile of orforglipron is similar to other GLP-1 drugs, with gastrointestinal issues being the most commonly reported side effect. Kenneth Custer from Lilly said the company is "prepared for a global launch to address this urgent public health need".
The company plans to submit orforglipron for regulatory review by year-end. Cork cautioned that the results are preliminary and non-peer reviewed, requiring full trial methodology and data for comprehensive analysis.
Broader medical applications explored
A separate study from McGill University examined the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss. Writing in eClinicalMedicine, experts said these medications may help improve liver disease, sleep apnoea, arthritis, polycystic ovary syndrome, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and substance misuse.
However, researchers also highlighted potential safety issues including problems with the pancreas and gall bladder. They emphasised the need for better understanding of long-term efficacy and safety as the drugs' applications expand.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
