In a world where weekly weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy have taken center stage, a new contender is stepping up—and it’s in pill form. Pharma giant Eli Lilly is developing Orforglipron, a once-a-day GLP-1 receptor agonist pill that could make needles a thing of the past. And if all goes as planned, it could be approved for public use by the end of the year.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Orforglipron
Unlike many GLP-1 drugs that focus mainly on diabetes, Orforglipron is aimed at weight loss and overall metabolic health. The pill works by regulating blood sugar and controlling appetite—two major factors in shedding extra pounds.
Orforglipron didn’t just help with weight loss – it’s also good for the heart (Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)
In phase three trials involving over 3,000 adults who were overweight or obese (but not diabetic), the results were striking. Participants taking 36 mg daily lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight—that’s roughly 27 pounds—over 72 weeks. Compare that to the placebo group, which lost just 2 pounds.
Even more impressive:
- 60% lost at least 10% of their body weight
- Nearly 40% lost 15% or more
And all this was achieved without food or water restrictions—just one pill a day alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
More Than Just Weight Loss
The benefits didn’t stop at the scale. Over the 16-month trial, participants saw:
- Lower levels of harmful cholesterol
- Reduced triglycerides (linked to heart attack and stroke risk)
- Improved blood pressure
People lost an average of 23.7 pounds on the daily pill (Daisy-Daisy/Getty Images)
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In earlier 40-week studies, Orforglipron also reduced A1C levels—a key blood sugar marker—by up to 1.6%, with many participants dropping below the diabetes threshold.
When Could You Get It?
Eli Lilly says they’ll submit Orforglipron for regulatory approval by the end of the year, with hopes for a global launch in 2025. The company is already making “substantial investments” to meet expected demand.
Kenneth Custer, Ph.D., Executive VP at Lilly, summed it up:
“Obesity is one of the most pressing global health challenges… With Orforglipron, we’re working to transform obesity care by offering a convenient alternative to injectables.”
Why This Matters
Eli Lilly is anticipating high demand for the new weight loss pill (Wellesenterprises/Getty Images)
If approved, Orforglipron could change the way millions approach weight loss—making treatment more accessible for people who aren’t comfortable with injections. Plus, with added heart and metabolic health benefits, it’s not just about looking better—it’s about living longer and healthier.
References & Further Reading:
- Eli Lilly Official Site
- National Institutes of Health – GLP-1 Drugs
- Ozempic vs. Wegovy – Mayo Clinic
