Eli Lilly recently announced exciting results for its new diabetes pill, orforglipron. In a recent study, this medication outperformed Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide, known as Rybelsus, in managing Type 2 diabetes. This study directly compared the two pills, which is a first in their category.
Orforglipron effectively lowered blood sugar levels after a year of use. The highest dose reduced hemoglobin A1c—a key diabetes marker—by 2.2%, while semaglutide reduced it by 1.4%. Additionally, participants taking orforglipron experienced more significant weight loss, averaging 19.7 pounds compared to 11 pounds with semaglutide.
Dr. Michael Weintraub, an endocrinologist from NYU Langone, described the results as impressive, noting orforglipron’s potential to balance blood sugar and aid weight loss effectively. Eli Lilly plans to seek approval for orforglipron in 2026 and hopes to launch globally by next year.
There’s a lot of competition in the growing GLP-1 market, expected to reach around $100 billion by the 2030s. Analysts predict that oral GLP-1 medications like orforglipron could make up to $50 billion of this market, reflecting a rising demand for more convenient treatments.
However, experts caution that it might be premature to declare a clear winner between these two drugs. Novo Nordisk is also working on higher doses of semaglutide that could change the dynamics of this comparison. The study mainly focused on lower doses of semaglutide, and comparisons with future higher doses remain uncertain.
Dr. Jaime Almandoz from UT Southwestern highlights that, while the head-to-head data is valuable, drawing conclusions is still tricky. He mentioned that patients without diabetes generally lose more weight than those who have it, complicating direct comparisons.
Eli Lilly’s trial followed about 1,700 patients whose diabetes was poorly managed on metformin, an older diabetes medication. While orforglipron’s safety data aligns with previous studies, it’s essential to note that 9.7% of patients on the highest dose stopped taking the pill due to side effects—more than the 4.9% for semaglutide.
As more data becomes available, medical experts will better understand how these medications compare. But for now, Eli Lilly’s orforglipron shows promise, and its development reflects an ongoing shift in diabetes treatment, moving towards more convenient options for patients.
In the evolving landscape of diabetes treatment, staying informed through credible sources, such as the American Diabetes Association, is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Source link
Breaking News: Business,Health care industry,Pharmaceuticals,Biotech and Pharmaceuticals,Biotechnology,Business,Eli Lilly and Co,Novo Nordisk A/S,Novo Nordisk A/S,business news
