New GLP-1 pill helps patients lose up to 8% of body weight, trial shows

A new daily oral GLP-1 medication called orforglipron has demonstrated promising results in reducing body weight and improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, according to results from a large clinical trial released this week.

The Phase 3 ACHIEVE-3 trial, conducted across multiple countries with more than 1,500 participants, found that patients taking orforglipron lost an average of 6 %–8 % of their body weight over one year — outperforming results seen with the existing oral GLP-1 pill, semaglutide, which delivered about 4 %–5 % weight loss in the same study.

Unlike many GLP-1 treatments that are injected, orforglipron is taken by mouth daily and does not require fasting or special timing with meals, making it a potentially more convenient option for patients. Patients also experienced improvements in blood sugar (A1C) levels, aiding diabetes management alongside weight reduction.

What This Means for Patients

GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications originally used for type 2 diabetes, work by mimicking a hormone in the body that regulates appetite and insulin release. Injectable versions like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro have become widely known for weight-loss benefits, but orforglipron’s oral formulation may broaden accessibility for many patients.

Health experts say that orforglipron’s convenience and effectiveness could make it a significant new tool in treating obesity and diabetes — especially for people who struggle with injectable therapies or prefer pills.

Safety and Side Effects

Trial results showed that orforglipron was generally well-tolerated, with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea being the most commonly reported side effects. Some participants stopped treatment due to these effects at slightly higher rates than those taking semaglutide.

Regulatory Status and Next Steps

The drug — developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly — is currently under review by regulators in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe for diabetes and weight-management indications. If approved, orforglipron could become one of the first widely available daily pills in the fast-growing field of GLP-1 weight-loss therapies.

Experts caution that long-term safety and cardiovascular outcomes will need continued study, but many are optimistic about the potential impact on both obesity and type 2 diabetes care.

— Reported by health correspondent