Daily Pill May Work as Well as Ozempic for Weight Loss and Blood Sugar
A daily pill may be as effective in lowering blood sugar and aiding weight loss in people with Type 2 diabetes as the popular injectable drugs Mounjaro and Ozempic, according to results of a clinical trial announced by Eli Lilly on Thursday morning.
The drug, orforglipron, is a GLP-1, a class of drugs that have become blockbusters because of their weight-loss effects. But GLP-1s are expensive, must be kept refrigerated and must be injected. A pill that produces similar results has the potential to become far more widely used.
'In the coming decades, 700 million people around the world will have Type 2 diabetes, and over a billion will have obesity,' said Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Lilly's chief scientific officer. 'Injections cannot be the solution for billions of people around the world.'
The results Lilly announced came from a clinical trial involving 559 people with Type 2 diabetes who took the new pill or a placebo for 40 weeks. In patients who took orforglipron, blood sugar levels fell by 1.3 to 1.6 percent, about the same amount in that time period experienced by patients taking Ozempic and Mounjaro in unrelated trials. For 65 percent of people taking the new pill, blood sugar levels dropped into the normal range.
Patients on the new pill also lost weight — up to 16 pounds without reaching a plateau at the study's end. Their weight loss was similar to that achieved in 40 weeks with Ozempic but slightly less than with Mounjaro in unrelated trials.
Side effects were the same as those with the injectable obesity drugs — diarrhea, indigestion, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
This was the first of seven large clinical trials of orforglipron to report results. Some of the others are testing the drug for weight loss in people without diabetes.
The company said it would present these new results at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions in June and will publish them in a peer-reviewed journal.
Lilly added that it would seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration later this year to market orforglipron for obesity and early in 2026 for diabetes.
If the drug is approved for obesity and diabetes, Dr. Skovronsky said, the company is confident it will have sufficient amounts of the pills to meet demand. He said that he had learned the results of the diabetes study on Tuesday morning but that without even knowing them, the company had been preparing supplies. It has built factories and has already made a billion pills.
Twelve percent of American adults say they have taken a GLP-1. About 40 percent of Americans are obese, and more than 10 percent have diabetes, most of whom have Type 2, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In a way, the very existence of orforglipron is a triumph of modern chemistry. The injectable GLP-1 drugs are peptides — small fragments of proteins. (GLP stands for glucagon-like peptide.) Peptides are digested by the stomach. So, in order to make an oral GLP-1, chemists had to find a way to make a nonpeptide that acts exactly like a peptide. Researchers at Chugai Pharmaceutical Company, a Japanese company, figured out a way, licensing their drug to Lilly in 2018.
The solution was to find a small molecule — thousandths of the size of a peptide — that sinks into a tiny pocket in the protein that is the target for GLP-1s. When it sinks into the pocket, the protein changes shape just as it does when a GLP-1 binds to the whole protein.
Finding that small molecule, Dr. Skovronsky said, was 'the holy grail.'
The result — a pill that can be taken at any time of day, with or without food — is almost unheard-of in the world of peptide drugs. Insulin, probably the most common peptide drug, has been around for more than 50 years. It is still only an injectable despite intense efforts by scientists to make an insulin pill. So is human growth hormone. So are drugs used to treat a wide variety of diseases, including arthritis and cancer.
Novo Nordisk has a GLP-1 pill, Rybelsus, but it contains the GLP-1 peptide, so it must be taken in large doses and is not as effective as the injectables because most of it is digested.
But for patients with diabetes and those struggling with obesity, a pill that can replace an injection can be transformative, for several reasons.
One is that it can make treatments attractive to those who cannot bear very idea of injecting themselves.
Dr. C. Ronald Kahn, a professor of medicine at Harvard and chief academic officer at Harvard's Joslin Diabetes Center, said he had many patients who were reluctant to inject themselves with Ozempic or Mounjaro.
A pill, he said, 'would definitely be preferred by most people.'
Dr. Sean Wharton, director of the Wharton Medical Clinic in Burlington, Ontario, has a broader hope. Dr. Wharton, who enrolled patients in Lilly's study of orforglipron for obesity, said a pill could potentially bring GLP-1 treatment to underserved populations throughout the world.
'It can be easily made in a factory and shipped everywhere,' he said. It should cost much less to make than peptides and does not require packaging in special injection pens. It does not have to be kept refrigerated.
For now, only rich countries have had access to GLP-1 drugs, and even in those countries, the drugs are available only to a small portion of people.
'Here we have a chance of a medicine being given to millions and millions of people,' Dr. Wharton said.
But that depends on Eli Lilly and how it chooses to price and distribute its drug.
'That's why I emphasize the word 'chance,'' Dr. Wharton said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
2025 produce ‘dirty dozen,' ‘clean 15' revealed
Spinach takes top dishonors in the 2025 'Dirty Dozen' list of nonorganic fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide contamination. The "2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce" is an annual report by the Environmental Working Group. The group also on Wednesday released its 'Clean 15″ list, noting 60% of those are 'free from harmful pesticides.' Nine in 10 samples on the dirty list contained pesticide residue, the group said. Per the news release, 'The overall toxicity is one of four factors EWG used to assess pesticides on produce. To calculate the overall pesticide toxicity for produce, EWG compared the average concentration of pesticide detected on fruits and vegetables to toxicological reference values – levels below which health harms are not expected." 'The updated methodology reflects important aspects of pesticide exposure for people,' said Dayna de Montagnac, an EWG associate scientist. 'Our research takes into account the potency of each chemical and can help shoppers reduce their overall pesticide burden.' The list has been produced annually for decades, but is not without critics. The Alliance for Food and Farming, which represents organic and conventional produce farmers, sent out a news release noting that the 'dirty dozen list recommendations cannot be substantiated.' 'There is growing concern about the impact of inaccurate safety fears becoming a barrier to increased consumption of produce,' the alliance said. 'One peer-reviewed study found that when low-income consumers were exposed to 'Dirty Dozen" list messaging, they stated they were less likely to purchase any produce — organic or conventional." Alexis Temkin, EWG vice president of science, told CNN the goal is not to get people to skip eating fruits and vegetables, which are important to a nutrient-rich diet. Rather, it's to help families decide whether to buy organic versions of certain fruits or vegetables. 'The guide is there to help consumers eat a lot of fruits and vegetables while trying to reduce pesticide exposure,' Temkin said. 'One of the things that a lot of peer-reviewed studies have shown over and over again (is) that when people switch to an organic diet from a conventional diet, you can really see measurable levels in the reduction of pesticide levels in the urine.' The group said it analyzed 47 items to come up with the 12 it called most contaminated by pesticides. EWG also noted that the analysis didn't include risk assessment, weighting all pesticides equally, nor did it 'factor in the levels deemed acceptable by the EPA.' Spinach Strawberries Kale, collard and mustard greens Grapes Peaches Cherries Nectarines Pears Apples Blackberries Blueberries Potatoes The group said the average American eats about eight pounds of strawberries a year. Blackberries made their debut this year on the dirty dozen, as did potatoes, which are the 'most consumed vegetable in the U.S.' As for No. 1, according to EWG, 'Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable, making it a staple for healthy eating. But it also has more pesticide residues by weight than any other type of produce — three-fourths of non-organic, or conventional samples are contaminated with a neurotoxic insecticide, permethrin, which is banned from use on food crops in Europe." EWG said it used tests conducted by the Department of Agriculture to rank the fruits and vegetables. It notes the most recent tests of spinach, however, were conducted in 2016. Asked if that was correct, an EWG spokesman reiterated for Deseret News the methodology in the report: 'This year's guide incorporates data from a total of more than 53,000 samples of 47 fruits and vegetables. EWG uses USDA data for non-organic samples of fruits and vegetables from the most recent sampling periods, which typically spans one to two years for each item. For example, to analyze residues on spinach, we used 1,295 samples the USDA collected between 2015 and 2016, as that's the most recent data range for that type of produce.' EWG also pointed out that most of the pesticides found on conventional spinach samples were 'sanctioned as legal and safe' by the Environmental Protection Agency, but note that permethrin at high doses creates health risks, including increased chance of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. The items with the least amount of pesticide in the EWG report were: Pineapples Sweet corn (fresh and frozen) Avocados Papaya Onion Sweet peas (frozen) Asparagus Cabbage Watermelon Cauliflower Bananas Mangoes Carrots Mushrooms Kiwi The alliance reported that 'the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Pesticide Data Program consistently finds that over 99% of foods sampled had residue levels well below EPA safety standards with 40% having no detectable residues at all." Still, public health experts say fresh produce should be cleaned, including the fruits and vegetables that have peels that will not be consumed. Advice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safely consuming produce: Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after handling fresh produce. Cut away damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating. Rinse produce BEFORE you peel it. Otherwise, that knife could transfer contamination. Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. You do not need to use soap. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub produce such as melons and zucchini. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel. That can remove even more bacteria. Remove the outermost leaves of cabbage or lettuce, which are potentially exposed to more contamination. The alliance said not to use soaps or detergents, which can create their own issues.
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Eating this Middle Eastern staple daily can lower your cholesterol: study
Give peas a chance! A little legume widely beloved in the Middle Eastern world can offer massive benefits to your heart, a new study has found. And the best part is that this versatile, beige gem is incredibly affordable and probably already in your pantry. Advertisement 3 A new study has found that a little legume widely beloved in the Middle Eastern world can offer massive benefits to your heart. Lorenzo Dottorini – The research — recently presented at the NUTRITION 2025 conference — identified chickpeas as the key to significantly lowering cholesterol and inflammation in people with pre-diabetes. More research would be needed to gain a larger sense of the health benefits, particularly in people who are not prediabetic. Advertisement The study included only 72 participants and lasted just 12 weeks, and the results were similar to eating white rice. However, the findings align with other research indicating chickpeas lead the way in heart-healthy foods. 3 The research identified chickpeas as the key to significantly lowering cholesterol and inflammation in people with pre-diabetes. – The hummus veg's high fiber content, particularly soluble fiber, is believed to bind with cholesterol in the digestive system and help flush it out of the body. Advertisement The fiber also promotes healthy gut bacteria and keeps the bowel moving, while chickpeas' low glycemic index can contribute to better blood sugar levels. Legumes in general can mimic the hunger-killing effects of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, thereby promoting weight loss by keeping you fuller for longer. A cup of chickpeas can deliver over 12.5 grams of fiber and nearly 15 grams of plant-based protein — all for under 270 calories. Advertisement They're also a rich source of iron, potassium and magnesium — essential nutrients that support overall health. The new study found that black beans had a similar effect on heart health, which is no real surprise. 3 Black beans are rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. jitanong714 – A cup of cooked black beans provides about 15 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber at under 230 calories. They're also rich in antioxidants — particularly anthocyanins, the same compounds that give blueberries their health rap — which help fight inflammation and may reduce the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer. Plus, black beans boast key nutrients like folate, iron, magnesium and potassium, which support everything from brain function to healthy blood pressure. 'The soluble fiber in these legumes helps to lower cholesterol by reducing how much is absorbed into the bloodstream,' registered dietitian Maddie Gallivan, who was not involved with the new study, told Medical News Today. 'When eaten as part of a diverse, plant-rich diet, beans and chickpeas can support a healthy gut microbiome.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Domino's Pizza, McDonald's rating surprise tied to persistent consumer issue
Domino's Pizza, McDonald's rating surprise tied to persistent consumer issue originally appeared on TheStreet. Even the Hamburglar didn't see this one coming. Excessive weight has been a persistent problem in America, where at least one in five adults in each U.S. state is living with obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 💵💰💰💵 As obesity rates have risen, so have scientists' efforts to address this serious health issue, which can cause asthma, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers. Early attempts to treat obesity came to the market as early as the 1930s. Amphetamines were the prevalent treatment in the 1940s and 1950s and demand continued into the 1990s. Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, which mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, have been available for about two decades. GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro, have been used for years to treat Type 2 diabetes, and studies have found that they are also effective at encouraging weight loss. Wegovy and Ozempic are manufactured by Novo Nordisk () , while Eli Lilly () makes Zepbound and Mounjaro. One investment firm says increased use of these medications could have serious implications for two of the biggest names in the fast-food industry: McDonald's () and Domino's Pizza () . The market for anti-obesity drugs, particularly those using injectable versions of GLP 1-based drugs, is still new and continuously evolving, Goldman Sachs said in a May 22 report. More Restaurants Beloved Mexican restaurant closing iconic location after 63 years Major restaurant chain quietly closes several locations Iconic restaurant closing its doors after 32 years The investment firm lowered its projections for such medication and now forecasts the global market to reach $95 billion by 2030. That's down from the previous estimate of $130 billion to reflect trends influencing how the drugs are priced, how long patients stay on them, and how patient populations are segmented. Goldman lowered its U.S. market projections to a peak of $70 billion, but the firm sees room for greater penetration in markets outside the U.S. Goldman forecasts a market peak of $50 billion outside the US, compared with $35 billion previously. A survey of more than 50 doctors in the US found that lower doses of anti-obesity medications are working well for a majority of patients and insurance coverage is the most important factor in the decision-making process, Goldman Sachs wrote. 'But to be clear, even with this moderated forecast, we see a significant growth opportunity for both existing players as well as new entrants into this market,' said Asad Haider, head of the health-care business unit within Goldman Sachs Research. Demand for GPL-1 drugs could dramatically hinder the food and restaurant industries, according to a study from Cornell's SC Johnson College of Business and the data firm Numerator. The report, entitled "The No Hunger Games," found that households with at least one user of GLP-1 drugs reduced its grocery spending by about 6% within six months of starting the drugs. The spending cut was as much as 9% for higher-income households. "We also find an 8.6% decline in spending at fast-food chains, coffee shops and limited-service restaurants," the study said. "Our findings highlight the potential for GLP-1 medications to significantly change food demand, a trend with increasingly important implications for the food industry as GLP-1 adoption continues to grow." The study warned that common side effects of GLP-1 medications, such as nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort, have reportedly led to reduced adherence or discontinued use for some patients."Moreover, their long-term efficacy and safety remain areas of ongoing investigation," the report said. Redburn Atlantic analyst Chris Luyckx focused on the growing adoption of GLP-1 in recent research reports. Luyckx double-downgraded McDonald's to sell from buy with a price target of $260, down from $319. The analyst expects the GLP-1 weight-loss drugs to suppress consumer appetites and says they present an underappreciated longer-term threat for McDonald's. A 1% drag on sales today "could easily build to 10% or more over time," particularly for restaurant brands skewed toward lower-income consumers, the analyst tells investors in a research note. McDonald's stock was down about 1.3% at last check and is up 18.5% from a year ago. Redburn Atlantic also initiated coverage of Domino's Pizza with a sell rating and $340 price target. Domino's, the world's largest pizza chain, faces the heaviest pressure from adoption of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, with high exposure to dinner occasions and lower-income consumers, the firm said. Redburn Atlantic said the company's organic traffic remains weak, with carry-out far outpacing delivery. Challenged system-sales growth and elevated consensus expectations present downside risk for Domino's, the firm said. McDonald's closed regular trading on June 10 down 1.4% at $300.43. Domino's shares were off 2.7% at $ Pizza, McDonald's rating surprise tied to persistent consumer issue first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
