A pill to treat obesity?

According to the results of a phase 3 clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Orforglipron led to significant weight loss in obese adults without diabetes. The study was conducted among 3,127 participants recruited in nine countries who received treatment for 72 weeks, as well as dietary and physical activity support. The clinical trial was designed and supervised by Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company developing Orforglipron.At the end of the followup period, the average weight loss was 7.5% with a daily dose of 6 mg, 8.4% with 12 mg, and 11.2% with 36 mg. In comparison, the placebo group recorded an average weight loss of -2.1%. In the group receiving the highest dose, more than half of the patients lost 10% or more of their initial weight, while 18.4% lost more than 20%.Waist circumferenceThe researchers also reported a reduction in waist circumference, a decrease in systolic blood pressure, and an improvement in lipid profile (triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol). Among participants with prediabetes, the majority (74.6% to 83.7%) returned to normal blood glucose levels at week 72, compared with 44.6% in the placebo group.Side-effects, similar to those seen with injectable agonists, were mainly related to mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and dyspepsia. Serious adverse events were reported in 3.8% to 5.5% of patients in the Orforglipron-treated groups and in 4.9% of patients in the placebo group. Five cases of mild pancreatitis without complications were also reported in the Orforglipron groups.“Small-molecule oral GLP-1 receptor agonists may mitigate the limitations of GLP-1 peptide-based therapies while retaining their biological properties,” the study authors wrote. “These agents may be easier to store, distribute, and administer. In addition, many patients prefer oral medications to injectable medications.”According to the authors, the availability of this pill could improve access to GLP-1-based treatments, particularly in low-income countries.This article has been translated from its original French and first appeared on our sister site Profession Santé.

A pill to treat obesity?

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics