Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 candidate, orforglipron, has delivered promising Phase 3 results, achieving significant A1C reductions of 1.3% to 1.6% and an average weight loss of 7.9% at the highest dose after 40 weeks. The once-daily small molecule pill demonstrated a safety profile consistent with injectable GLP-1 therapies and marks the first oral non-peptide GLP-1 to complete a Phase 3 trial successfully.

Lilly plans to submit orforglipron for regulatory approval for weight management later this year, with a diabetes application expected in 2026. These results strengthen Lilly's position in the highly competitive obesity treatment market, projected to exceed $100 billion annually by the next decade.

Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk has officially submitted its own oral GLP-1, a high-dose version of semaglutide, for FDA approval in obesity. Novo’s pill helped patients lose about 15% of their body weight over 64 weeks in a previous Phase 3 study. Although Novo delayed its submission to focus on manufacturing and portfolio priorities, the company now aims to secure a first-mover advantage as Lilly gains ground with orforglipron.

The rivalry between Novo and Lilly continues to influence the future of oral weight loss treatments, with both companies aiming to dominate the growing demand for convenient, effective therapies.

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