Eli Lilly’s shares surged 15% following a clinical trial of its experimental weight loss pill, which demonstrated significant results for patients with Type 2 diabetes. The trial, announced by the pharmaceutical giant, revealed that participants taking orforglipron lost an average of 16 pounds, equating to 7.9% of their body weight over a 26-week period. This outcome is comparable to Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, which aids in around 6% weight loss at its highest approved dose.
Lilly’s stock climbed 14% to $838.80 during Thursday trading. The company stated that this represents a major advancement for patients seeking non-injectable options for managing weight and glucose levels. Additionally, the drug reduced blood sugar levels by 1.3% on average, slightly below Ozempic’s 2.1% reduction.
Orforglipron belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonists class, mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which regulates appetite, insulin secretion, and blood sugar. While originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, these drugs have gained popularity for substantial weight loss. A key barrier to broader adoption has been the injectable form of current GLP-1 therapies, making oral alternatives a priority for drugmakers.
If approved, Eli Lilly’s orforglipron could revolutionize the market by offering a convenient pill-based approach with comparable effectiveness. The company is conducting further studies to evaluate the drug’s potential for conditions like obesity and sleep apnea. Favorable data could lead to regulatory approval by early 2026.
Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk’s shares dipped 3.9% amid concerns about competition from oral alternatives.
— new from New York Post