Lilly’s Oral GLP-1 Agonist Shows Encouraging Results for Weight Management

The pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly and Company announced new data for their phase 2 diabetes and obesity medicine, Orforglipron. The data was presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 83rd Scientific Sessions and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It showed that the drug met primary and secondary efficacy endpoints, as well as up to 14.7% mean weight reduction in obese or overweight adults at 36 weeks. 

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New Treatment options for Diabetes and Obesity with Oral Medication 

On June 23, Lilly presented new data for their diabetes and obesity pipeline. Their phase 2 trials of their medication, Orforglipron, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity show promising results. They have stated that they intend to initiate a phase 3 development program for the medication.  This will help further examine how effective and safe it is at treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

Orforglipron is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist being developed for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that are normally injected daily or weekly. They are used for the treatment of diabetes type 2 and obesity. This is Lilly’s first once-daily oral medication in development, but more importantly, it represents a promising alternative to the existing administration routes. 

Phase 2 Trials of Orforglipron Show Promise 

Lilly’s phase 2 trial of the medication tested the efficacy and safety of four different doses (12, 24, 26, and 45 mg) of Orforglipron in obese or overweight adults. The participants percentage body weight change was evaluated at the primary (26 weeks) and secondary (36 weeks) endpoints. At week 26, the weight reductions mean change ranged from 8.6% to 12.7%. The weight reduction trend continued at 36 weeks, with a mean change in weight reduction of 9.4% to 14.7%. The results from their phase 2 data show that Orforglipron is associated with weight reduction, and its safety profile is similar to that of injectable GLP-1 agonists. The most common adverse events reported in the trial were mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects that were observed during the dose escalation of the medication. 

Additionally, a phase 2 study for the same medication in patients with type 2 diabetes was published by Lilly in The Lancet. It demonstrated that Orforglipron attained substantial decreases in HbA1c and bodyweight. This data highlights orforgliporn’s potential as a once-daily oral treatment for people suffering from type 2 diabetes and obesity. It could potentially offer an alternative to the existing injectable GLP-1 agonist medications.

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GeneOnline Team