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In a significant advancement for weight management, a new oral medication named orforglipron has demonstrated the capability to help patients lose between 6% and 8% of their body weight, according to the latest clinical trial findings. This innovative drug, developed by Eli Lilly, could provide a more effective non-injection alternative compared to current treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are primarily administered via injection.
Exploring Orforglipron: A New Hope for Weight Loss
Orforglipron, which targets the same GLP-1 receptors as the existing oral medication semaglutide, is primarily indicated for managing type 2 diabetes. Both medications work by lowering blood sugar levels, slowing gastric emptying, and suppressing appetite. A significant advantage of orforglipron is that it does not require administration on an empty stomach, making it potentially more convenient for patients.
However, regulatory approvals are still pending in the UK, US, and Europe, although the US Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing the drug. At this moment, semaglutide, marketed under the name Rybelsus for diabetes management, remains the only approved GLP-1 medication available in pill form in the United States.
Clinical Trial Insights: Phase 3 Results
The recent phase 3 trial, known as the Achieve-3 study, involved over 1,500 adults with type 2 diabetes across 131 medical research centres in countries including Argentina, China, Japan, Mexico, and the US. Participants were administered either 12mg or 36mg doses of orforglipron or 7mg or 14mg of oral semaglutide over a one-year period.
Results revealed that those taking orforglipron experienced a more significant weight loss—averaging between 6% and 8%—compared to 4% to 5% for those on semaglutide. Additionally, the orforglipron group reported lower average blood sugar levels at the end of the trial.
However, it is important to note that the discontinuation rates were higher among those taking orforglipron, with approximately 9% to 10% of participants ceasing treatment due to adverse effects, primarily gastrointestinal issues. In contrast, only about 4% to 5% of those on semaglutide stopped their treatment for similar reasons.
Expert Opinions: Cautious Optimism
Tam Fry, chair of the National Obesity Forum, expressed optimism about the findings, suggesting that orforglipron could become the preferred treatment for individuals with severe obesity and diabetes. He emphasised the need for stringent controls upon its release to prevent misuse, similar to what has been observed with semaglutide.
Dr. Marie Spreckley from the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge noted that while the trial’s results are promising, the higher rates of discontinuation due to side effects raise concerns about the drug’s tolerability in real-world settings. She pointed out that the one-year duration of the trial leaves critical questions unanswered regarding long-term safety and cardiovascular outcomes.
Professor Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow highlighted the importance of these findings, noting that more effective oral medications could significantly aid individuals with type 2 diabetes in achieving and maintaining weight loss. He stressed the necessity of holistic treatment approaches that address weight management, blood sugar control, and cardiovascular risk simultaneously, which may lead to better overall health outcomes.
Why it Matters
The emergence of orforglipron could revolutionise treatment options for those battling obesity and type 2 diabetes, offering a more accessible and convenient oral alternative to injections. As weight management remains a critical public health challenge, the potential for this medication to not only improve individual health but also reduce the burden on healthcare systems globally cannot be overstated. Continued research and regulatory scrutiny will be essential to ensure that orforglipron is both safe and effective for widespread use.
