Eli Lilly's GLP-1 pill shows promising results for weight loss and diabetes control

In August 2025, Eli Lilly announced significant advancements in their efforts to bring a daily oral GLP-1 medication named orforglipron to market, particularly intended for individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The company highlighted findings from their late-stage trial which indicated that participants lost an average of 22.9 pounds, comprising around 10.5% of their body weight, over a period of 72 weeks while taking the highest dosage of 36 milligrams. Moreover, the trial also demonstrated that orforglipron effectively lowered hemoglobin A1C levels, a critical indicator of blood sugar control, by an average of 1.8%. These results are noteworthy as they affirm the potential of orforglipron to not only assist in weight loss but also in managing diabetes, thus offering a dual benefit to patients who struggle with both conditions. Lilly’s findings were shared publicly, yet it is important to note that they are pending peer review and formal publication in a medical journal. Dr. Dan Skovronsky, Lilly’s chief scientific officer, expressed optimism by stating that the company began mass production of the pill in anticipation of regulatory approval and to meet global demand. According to plans, Eli Lilly is preparing to submit a comprehensive clinical data package to global regulatory authorities for consideration. Eli Lilly is vying for a competitive edge in the obesity treatment market, facing strong rivalry from Novo Nordisk, which has already sought FDA approval for its own oral GLP-1 solution. Both drugmakers emphasize the advantage of an oral formulation, which is expected to be more appealing than current injectable options, consequently expanding treatment accessibility for patients. Eli Lilly's initiative aligns with a growing trend in the healthcare sector, where oral medications are becoming more prevalent as a preferred option over traditional injections, particularly for long-term management of chronic conditions.