Eli Lilly's obesity pill shows promise in weight loss maintenance
Eli Lilly's new obesity pill helps patients maintain weight loss after using injections. It has filed for FDA approval, with positive trial results indicating its potential as a convenient alternative for long-term weight management.
New obesity pill maintains weight loss
FDA approval filed for orforglipron
Positive trial results in weight maintenance
Less weight loss than injections
Offering a needle-free alternative
Consistent safety profile observed
Market impact expected by 2030
Eli Lilly announced that its new obesity pill has helped patients keep most of their weight loss after switching from the injections Zepbound and Wegovy in a recent late-stage trial.
Details of the Obesity Pill and FDA Approval
The company has submitted a request for FDA authorization for the daily GLP-1 pill, named orforglipron. The FDA granted a priority review voucher for this pill in November, which could speed up the evaluation process.
The trial data indicate that the pill may effectively assist patients in maintaining their weight loss without needing weekly injections. Many individuals who stop using these injections tend to regain much of their lost weight.
Trial Results and Market Implications
The phase three trial included over 300 patients who had taken Wegovy or Zepbound for 72 weeks and then switched to either Eli Lilly’s pill or a placebo for 52 weeks. The oral medication achieved its main objective by showing better weight loss maintenance compared to the placebo, especially for users who experienced a plateau.
Patients who switched from Wegovy regained about 2 pounds, while those switching from Zepbound regained around 11 pounds by the end of the trial. Analysts believe this could allow Eli Lilly to capture market share from Novo Nordisk’s products.
Safety Profile and Future Outlook
The pill’s safety and tolerability were in line with findings from earlier studies. The most common side effects were mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues. About 4.8% of those switching from Wegovy discontinued use due to side effects, compared to 7.2% from Zepbound.
No liver safety issues were reported. Eli Lilly’s pill functions similarly to Wegovy and other treatments by targeting the GLP-1 hormone to control appetite. Unlike these other medications, it is not a peptide, making it easier for the body to absorb without dietary restrictions.
Rachel Patel is a senior news editor and journalist specializing in political journalism and digital media. With over seven years of professional experience, she is recognized for her accuracy, source verification, and audience-focused reporting approach.
Rachel earned her M.S. in Journalism & Media Studies from Stanford University (2018), where she developed expertise in media ethics, political communication, and digital storytelling.
Her career has centered on bridging traditional political reporting with the fast-paced world of online journalism. She has contributed to major global media outlets, analyzing how digital platforms — from YouTube and Reddit to TikTok and Bluesky — shape political narratives, influence public opinion, and redefine news consumption.
Now based in Berlin, Germany, Rachel serves as a Senior News Editor at Faharas NET, leading coverage on digital politics, media literacy, and social communication trends in the modern information landscape.
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