First GLP-1 Pill Successfully Passed Trials: Reduces Blood Sugar and Weight
American company Eli Lilly has successfully completed trials of the first oral GLP-1 therapy that lowers blood sugar and weight in type 2 diabetes.
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Eli Lilly completed a phase 3 clinical trial (ACHIEVE-1), which confirmed the effectiveness and safety of orforglipron — the world’s first oral GLP-1 molecule for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The study, which involved 559 patients from the US, China, Japan, India, and Mexico, showed that the drug significantly lowers blood glucose levels and contributes to weight loss.
Participants with a baseline HbA1c level of 8.0% achieved a reduction to 1.6% over 40 weeks when taking the maximum dose of the drug.
More than 65% of patients achieved a blood sugar level below 6.5% — the threshold recommended by the American Diabetes Association.
Additionally, as part of the study’s secondary goal, there was an average weight loss of 7.9% (16 pounds) without reaching a "plateau", indicating the potential for continued weight loss with long-term use.
The drug showed good tolerability, and side effects — such as nausea, diarrhea, and dyspepsia — were mostly mild to moderate. The rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects did not exceed 8%.
If orforglipron receives regulatory approval, it could become a convenient alternative to injectable GLP-1 agonists.
According to Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks, the company is ready to launch the drug into global production without supply disruptions.
This could significantly impact diabetes treatment, which is expected to affect around 760 million people by 2050.
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