New GLP-1 pill showed up to 8% weight loss in trial

A phase 3 trial reported that daily orforglipron tablets produced average weight loss of about 6–8% over one year and greater reductions in blood sugar than oral semaglutide, while discontinuations for side effects were higher with orforglipron.

A phase 3 trial found daily orforglipron tablets led to greater weight loss than oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug is manufactured by Eli Lilly and acts on GLP-1 receptors; unlike oral semaglutide, it does not require an empty stomach. The Achieve-3 study ran for one year and included more than 1,500 participants across 131 centres in Argentina, China, Japan, Mexico and the US. Orforglipron has not yet been approved in the UK, US or EU, and the US Food and Drug Administration is reviewing it. Key trial findings: - The Achieve-3 trial included over 1,500 adults with type 2 diabetes at 131 sites in Argentina, China, Japan, Mexico and the US. - Participants received either 12 mg or 36 mg of orforglipron, or 7 mg or 14 mg of oral semaglutide, over one year. - Average body weight change was about 6–8% loss with orforglipron versus about 4–5% with oral semaglutide. - Participants taking orforglipron recorded lower average blood sugar at the end of the trial than those taking oral semaglutide. - Discontinuation for side effects was higher in the orforglipron groups (about 9–10%) than in the semaglutide groups (about 4–5%), mainly due to gastrointestinal symptoms. Summary: The trial suggests an oral GLP-1 pill produced larger short-term weight and blood sugar reductions than oral semaglutide but had higher rates of treatment discontinuation for side effects. Regulatory approval is pending in major jurisdictions, and experts noted that longer-term safety, cardiovascular outcomes and sustained effectiveness remain important unanswered questions.