A new drug may simplify obesity treatment and eliminate the need for injections. US pharmacist Eli Lilly presented initial results from a daily tomb tablet who, in clinical trials, led to an average loss of 12.4 pounds, equivalent to 12.4% of body weight.
According to Euronews, the drug is called Orforglipron and is designed to increase the feeling of satiety, helping to reduce food intake. Like other known treatments, such as Ozepic, Wegovy or Mounjaro, mimics a hormone that regulates appetite, but is distinguished by being administered orally.
Study involved more than three thousand participants
The clinical trial included 3,100 overweight or obese adults, all with at least one associated health problem. For 72 weeks, participants took 36 mg of orforglipron per day. In the end, there was an average loss of 12.4 kg, slightly below other medicines of the same class, but still relevant.
According to the pharmacist, participants also recorded improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, such as the reduction of cholesterol and blood voltage. Among the most common side effects were constipation, diarrhea and vomiting, similar to those of other drugs.
First tablet of this category
Orforglipron is the first drug of this type presented in tablet format, which may facilitate adherence to treatment. “Obesity is one of the biggest global health challenges, affecting more than 1,000 million people worldwide,” Eli Lilly told Euronews, adding that he expects to ask for approval for commercialization later this year.
For now, the data were released by the company and not yet published in a scientific journal with review by peers. More information should be known in the coming weeks.
Competition also advances
In the United States, WeGovy is testing an oral medicine that, according to the company, can lead to a loss of up to 15% of body weight.
In 2023 had already presented the Mounjaro, initially created for diabetes, which showed potential to reduce up to 16% of weight. In tests, 10 mg doses led to an average loss of 13.4% (13.5 kg) and 15 mg doses resulted in a reduction of 15.7% (15.6 kg) compared to only 3.2 kg in the placebo group.
If approved, the new tablet will be able to mark a turning point in the treatment of obesity, offering a simpler alternative to those who want to lose weight with medical support.
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