New GLP1 pill helps patients lose up to 8% of body weight, trial shows

"Results of the first phase 3 trial comparing orforglipron with oral semaglutide found that patients with diabetes lost on average 6-8% of their body weight with orforglipron, compared with 4-5% on semaglutide. In addition to greater weight loss, participants who took either dose of orforglipron recorded lower average blood sugar levels at the end of the trial than either dose of semaglutide."

"Orforglipron has not yet been approved by regulators in the UK, US or Europe, though the US Food and Drug Administration is reviewing it. Like semaglutide, it lowers blood sugar levels, slows digestion and suppresses appetite. However, unlike semaglutide tablets, it does not need to be taken on an empty stomach."

"Experts believe tablet versions could prove transformative because they are easier to take and store, and may ultimately be cheaper. Oral semaglutide has been shown to be less effective for weight loss than semaglutide injections Ozempic and Wegovy or tirzepatide injections such as Mounjaro."

Orforglipron is a new daily GLP-1 tablet developed by Eli Lilly that targets the same receptors as semaglutide, lowering blood sugar and suppressing appetite. Unlike oral semaglutide, it does not require an empty stomach for administration. The Achieve-3 phase 3 trial compared orforglipron with oral semaglutide in over 1,500 adults with type 2 diabetes across multiple countries. Patients taking orforglipron lost 6-8% of body weight versus 4-5% with semaglutide, and achieved lower average blood sugar levels. Tablet formulations are considered potentially transformative due to easier administration, storage, and potential cost advantages over injections. Orforglipron awaits FDA approval and regulatory review in other regions.

Read at www.theguardian.com