Oral GLP-1 weight‑loss pill shows promise in 72‑week trial, potentially rivaling injectables

An oral GLP-1 weight-loss pill developed by Eli Lilly showed meaningful weight loss and cardiometabolic improvements in a phase 3 trial, offering a potential alternative to injectable GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The ATTAIN-1 study tested orforglipron over 72 weeks in adults with weight-related health problems who did not have diabetes, across three doses: 6 mg, 12 mg and 36 mg. The trial results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Participants on the highest dose lost an average of 27.3 pounds; about 60% achieved at least 10% body weight reduction, and 39.6% achieved at least 15%. Among 1,127 participants who had prediabetes at study onset, up to 91% reached near-normal blood glucose levels compared with 42% on placebo. Orforglipron also yielded clinically meaningful improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including non-HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and triglycerides, and the highest dose reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein by 47.7%. The safety profile was consistent with GLP-1 medications; the most common adverse events were gastrointestinal and generally mild to moderate in severity. After more than a year on the highest dose, participants averaged 27.7 pounds of weight loss.

Sean Wharton, M.D., director at Wharton Medical Clinic and the lead study author in Canada, said obesity is a complex, global health challenge that requires treatments that are effective and easy to integrate into everyday life. In this phase 3 study, orforglipron demonstrated strong efficacy results and safety consistent with the GLP-1 class, reinforcing its potential as a first-line treatment in primary care. Lilly said it plans to move forward with regulatory filings for obesity, with potential U.S. approval as early as 2026, and an application for type 2 diabetes treatment in the same timeframe. Reuters noted the FDA could fast-track the review, potentially shortening the timeline to one to two months. Analysts pointed to the drug’s potential to reduce the cost burden of injectable therapies and to Lilly’s expanding U.S. manufacturing footprint.

In interviews, doctors cautioned that while the pill is a promising addition to obesity treatment, some experts say lipid results may not match those of injectable GLP-1s, and raised concerns about long-term safety given the absence of peptide-based structure. Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight loss physician in New York City, said the pill could be a positive addition because it is cheaper to produce and may be easier for patients to adhere to, but stressed that long-term unknowns remain. Fox News Digital reached out to Lilly for comment.

If approved, orforglipron would join a growing field of oral GLP-1 candidates and could offer a lower-cost option to injectable therapies, potentially reshaping obesity treatment and primary care management. Lilly is expanding manufacturing capacity in the United States as part of its plan to bring the pill to market. Health authorities will continue to monitor long-term safety and real-world effectiveness as more data become available.

If approved, orforglipron would join a growing field of oral GLP-1 candidates and could offer a lower-cost option to injectable therapies, potentially reshaping obesity treatment and primary care management. Lilly is expanding manufacturing capacity in the United States as part of its plan to bring the pill to market. Health authorities will continue to monitor long-term safety and real-world effectiveness as more data become available.