Eli Lilly’s experimental once-daily pill, orforglipron, has shown promising Phase 3 trial results, helping over 3,000 adults lose an average of 12.4% of their body weight in 72 weeks—comparable to leading injectable GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound and Mounjaro, but without needles or strict meal timing. Nearly 60% of participants lost at least 10% of their weight, and about 40% lost 15% or more.
Unlike peptide-based oral drugs such as Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus, orforglipron can be taken at any time, with or without food or water, potentially improving patient adherence. The medication works by mimicking a gut hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar, offering cardiovascular benefits alongside weight loss.
Side effects, mainly gastrointestinal issues, were common, with about 10% of high-dose users discontinuing due to adverse effects. Still, experts consider its safety profile in line with GLP-1 expectations.
If approved—Eli Lilly plans to seek regulatory clearance by late 2025—orforglipron could emerge as a scalable, cost-effective alternative for those unwilling or unable to use injectables, potentially transforming long-term obesity management and intensifying competition in the weight-loss drug market.
