Eli Lilly's new drug outperforms oral semaglutide in weight loss and blood sugar control

Phase 3 trial results for orforglipron

According to НВ — Техно: A 52-week phase 3 clinical trial involving 1,698 adults with type 2 diabetes across six countries has shown that Eli Lilly's experimental drug orforglipron is more effective than oral semaglutide for both weight reduction and blood glucose management. Orforglipron is taken as a tablet and does not require refrigeration. However, gastrointestinal side effects occurred in 59% of participants.

At the start of the study, the average HbA1c level among participants was 8.3%. Those treated with orforglipron saw their HbA1c drop by 1.71 to 1.91 percentage points, compared to a 1.47-point reduction with oral semaglutide. Additionally, patients on orforglipron lost between 6.1 and 8.2 kg, while those on semaglutide lost 5.3 kg.

Side effects and ongoing research

Despite its efficacy, 59% of participants reported gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Roughly 10% of patients discontinued treatment due to these adverse effects. Orforglipron is currently undergoing further clinical trials in obese patients without diabetes.

These findings highlight orforglipron's promise as a new therapy for type 2 diabetes, but the significant side effect profile may limit its adoption. Additional trials in non-diabetic obese individuals could provide more data on safety and effectiveness, potentially shaping its future clinical use.

As research continues to unveil the potential of new treatments, the recent findings on Eli Lilly's orforglipron add to a growing body of evidence regarding innovative diabetes therapies. For those interested in the latest advancements in diabetes management, an experimental diabetes drug has also shown promising results for weight loss and blood sugar control, highlighting the evolving landscape of treatment options.