In a significant development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, the oral medication orforglipron has demonstrated the potential to aid patients in losing between 6% to 8% of their body weight, according to recent clinical trial findings. This new daily pill, developed by Eli Lilly, may offer a more effective alternative to existing injectable treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro, although it is yet to receive regulatory approval in the UK, US, or Europe.
Promising Results from Clinical Trials
Orforglipron functions by targeting the same GLP-1 receptors as oral semaglutide, a widely used treatment for diabetes. Similar to its injectable counterparts, this medication aims to lower blood sugar levels, slow down digestion, and suppress appetite. One of the key advantages of orforglipron is that it does not require administration on an empty stomach, making it a more convenient option for patients.
The recent Achieve-3 trial, supported by Eli Lilly, involved over 1,500 participants with type 2 diabetes across 131 medical research centres and hospitals in various countries including Argentina, China, Japan, Mexico, and the US. Participants were administered either orforglipron at doses of 12mg or 36mg, or oral semaglutide at doses of 7mg or 14mg over a year. The results revealed that those taking orforglipron experienced a greater average weight loss compared to those on semaglutide.
Insights from Health Experts
Tam Fry, chair of the National Obesity Forum, highlighted the potential of orforglipron to become a preferred treatment for individuals with severe obesity and diabetes. He noted, “Orforglipron could prove itself as the treatment of choice for the very obese diabetic. Its real bonus is in its straightforward use.” However, Fry cautioned that access to the medication should be closely monitored to prevent misuse.
Dr Marie Spreckley from the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge also commented on the trial’s findings, pointing out the higher rates of discontinuation in the orforglipron groups due to side effects, primarily gastrointestinal issues. She expressed concerns about the medication’s long-term safety, cardiovascular outcomes, and sustained effectiveness, emphasising that these questions remain unanswered after only a year of observation.
Naveed Sattar, a professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The more effective oral medicines we have to help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight and keep it off, the better.” He advocated for a holistic approach that addresses weight, blood sugar levels, and cardiovascular risk concurrently, suggesting that incretin-based therapies could become first-line treatments in the near future.
The Future of Weight-Loss Treatments
Currently, the only oral GLP-1 medication available in the US is semaglutide, marketed as Rybelsus for diabetes management. While the pill version of semaglutide has been approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy, studies have shown that it is less effective compared to injectable formulations. The introduction of orforglipron could transform treatment protocols, as oral medications are often easier to administer, store, and may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Despite the promising results, the path to approval for orforglipron is still ahead. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing the medication, and as it stands, the pharmaceutical landscape for type 2 diabetes treatments continues to evolve rapidly.
Why it Matters
The emergence of orforglipron as a potential weight-loss solution highlights a critical shift in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. With the increasing prevalence of these conditions, effective and easily accessible treatments are paramount. If approved, orforglipron could not only provide patients with a more convenient daily option but also improve overall health outcomes by facilitating weight loss and better blood sugar management. This development underscores the ongoing need for innovative approaches to combat chronic health issues that affect millions worldwide.
