The news: Eli Lilly plans to file for global regulatory approval for its first weight loss pill following positive results in a second key trial. People with both obesity and type 2 diabetes lost an average 10.5% of their weight and significantly improved blood sugar levels.
Lilly is moving ahead now with global submissions, including in the US to the FDA, by the end of the year. If approved, its orforglipron pill could be available in pharmacies sometime next year.
Why it matters: The new study adds to Lilly’s first orforglipron results earlier this month, in which people with obesity lost about 12% of their weight. People who have both obesity and type 2 diabetes typically have more difficulty losing weight than patients only with obesity.
Lilly’s GLP-1 oral medication is the second GLP-1 weight loss pill being submitted for approval.
- Novo Nordisk filed an application in May for oral semaglutide after its study showed 15% weight loss in patients with obesity.
- Another oral GLP-1 contender Viking Therapeutics, recently reported a midstage study that showed patients with obesity lost up to 12.2% of their body weight after 13 weeks. However, Viking still needs to complete phase 3 studies before it can apply for approval.
Our first take: Oral GLP-1s have faced investor disappointment over weight loss results that fell short of the 20% to 25% outcomes of injectable versions already on market. However, with more than 40% of US adults with obesity, the next gen pills are an opportunity for marketers to rethink how more convenient, no-needle oral options can fit patients’ needs.
This is our immediate perspective. We’re actively developing this story throughout the day with more research and data from the EMARKETER database. Our in-depth analysis will be included in our client-only Briefings. Non-clients can click here to get a demo of our full platform and coverage.
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