Eli Lilly’s Weight Loss Pill Trial Results

Eli Lilly has revealed that its experimental oral weight loss medication, Orforglipron, helped participants reduce their body weight by roughly 12% on average during late-stage trials, a company update noted on Thursday. However, this outcome appears to fall short compared to similar injectable treatments available in the market.

Following the announcement, Eli Lilly’s stock saw a decline of over 14% the next day.

In a 72-week trial, patients using Orforglipron lost an average of 12.4% of their weight, equivalent to about 27.3 pounds. When factored in all participants, including those who dropped out, the average weight loss stood at 11.2%.

While these results seem promising, they do not match the more favorable products already out there. For context, a trial led by Novo Nordisk found that their drug, Wegovy, yielded a weight loss of 15%, while Lilly’s own Zepbound reported a weight reduction of 21%.

The company emphasizes its goal to revolutionize obesity treatment with Orforglipron, promoting it as a once-daily, oral alternative that supports early intervention and extended management of the condition.

Lilly plans to submit Orforglipron for FDA evaluation by year’s end. If it gains approval, the company expressed optimism about its capacity to distribute the drug globally without facing supply issues.

The drug initially generated excitement in April when Lilly announced that Orforglipron was effective in reducing both blood sugar and weight in a late-stage trial involving type 2 diabetes patients.

While the prospect of needle-free anti-obesity drugs could provide Lilly an edge over its established competitors, this recent data could pose a challenge.

The GLP-1 class of medications has gained popularity due to their weight loss benefits, albeit being expensive and requiring refrigeration along with injection delivery. Oral versions may enhance accessibility for more patients.

Additionally, Lilly’s pills fall under the category of small molecule drugs, which simplifies their manufacturing process.

As for side effects, they closely resemble those associated with injectable obesity drugs, including symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and constipation. Notably, the trial recorded a dropout rate of nearly 25% among participants taking the highest dose.

Nonetheless, CEO David Ricks conveyed a positive outlook about the trial results during an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” He mentioned, “It’s perfect for us to be a paper,” highlighting their ambition to create convenient, scalable oral medications.