Eli Lilly's novel compound, orforglipron, is emerging as a strong contender in the oral weight loss drug market. The ACHIEVE-3 study, involving nearly 1,700 participants with type 2 diabetes across 131 research centers, indicated superior glycaemic control and a greater average weight loss of 8% compared to oral semaglutide's 5% over one year.
Beyond weight management, orforglipron demonstrated improvements in blood sugar and cardiometabolic risk factors. A key advantage is its simplified administration, eliminating the strict fasting requirements associated with oral semaglutide, which could boost patient compliance. However, the trial noted gastrointestinal adverse events led to discontinuation in 10% of orforglipron participants, versus 5% for oral semaglutide.
Despite tolerability challenges, Eli Lilly plans to pursue regulatory approval from the FDA and EMA, with potential FDA action on obesity expected next quarter. The company is also exploring orforglipron's potential in cardiovascular health, expanding its utility beyond diabetes and obesity. Kenneth Custer, Executive Vice President at Eli Lilly, highlighted the drug's potential as a frontline therapy.