Daily GLP-1 pill effective for diabetes and obesity, Eli Lilly says
A daily pill from drugmaker Eli Lilly has shown safety results comparable to the leading injectable GLP-1 drugs Mounjaro and Ozempic, the company announced Thursday.
The once-daily pill, called orforglipron, helped patients with Type 2 diabetes lower their drug sugar levels and lose weight during late-stage trials, the drugmaker said.
The trial results are being closely watched, as a needle-free anti-obesity drug could give Lilly a major edge over its well-established rivals.
GLP-1s are a class of drugs that have become blockbusters for the way they help people lose weight. But they are expensive, must be refrigerated and are delivered through an injection. A daily pill version could make the drugs much more accessible.
According to Lilly, orforglipron is the first oral small molecule GLP-1, taken without food and water restrictions, to successfully complete a Phase 3 trial. If approved, the company said it is confident in its ability to launch the drug worldwide without supply constraints.
The trial randomized 559 participants across the U.S., China, India, Japan and Mexico and measured the drug's efficacy and safety in adults with Type 2 diabetes compared to a placebo.
The 40-week trial found the pill lowered blood sugar levels, measured by A1C, by an average of 1.3 to 1.6 percent across different doses from a starting level of 8 percent.
More than 65 percent of participants taking the highest dose dropped their A1C levels to the normal range, below what is considered diabetic.
In addition, participants lost an average of 16 pounds at the highest dose of the drug without reaching a plateau at the end of the trial, meaning full weight reduction was not yet attained. But like most drugs in the class, weight loss is expected to be much less in people with diabetes compared to those with obesity.
The overall safety profile was consistent with the established GLP-1 class. Side effects were the same as those with the injectable obesity drugs — diarrhea, indigestion, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
The company did not include information on the demographics of the people who participated in the trial.
The results will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions and will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
There are seven late-stage studies examining the safety and efficacy of the pill across people with diabetes and obesity. The company expects to file for regulatory approval of the pill for obesity by the end of the year, and for treatment of diabetes in 2026.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
New Details On F/A-18 Super Hornet's Troubled IRST Pod
More details have emerged about the problems the U.S. Navy is facing with its ill-starred podded Infrared Search And Track system, or IRST, an important capability planned for its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters. The latest issues to be highlighted come after TWZ previously reported on delays caused by production quality problems with the system and a Pentagon assessment of 'significant reliability problems during operational testing,' which emerged earlier this year. The latest status update on the ASG-34A(V)1 IRST pod is provided in the Weapon Systems Annual Assessment that was published today by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The centerline-mounted IRST pod is intended to provide the F/A-18E/F with a long-wave infrared sensor — the Lockheed Martin-developed IRST21 — that can search, detect, and track airborne targets. Very importantly, it is an ideal tool for detecting stealthy targets, which are proliferating. The IRST sensor assembly is installed in the front portion of a redesigned FPU-13/A centerline fuel tank. According to the GAO, each pod costs $16.6 million. For the full background on the pod, you can read our interview with the Super Hornet program manager responsible for it, back in 2020, here. The GAO report notes that, although the IRST pod achieved initial capability on schedule in November 2024, including delivery of the first lot of low-rate initial production pods, a full-rate production decision has been delayed. At one point, a determination on full-rate production was planned for January 2025, but this was missed 'due to delays incurred during flight testing.' As a result, the program has now breached its baseline schedule for the second time in three years. 'IRST officials told us that operational tests were delayed by two months due to software defects that caused IRST pods to falsely report overheating,' the GAO notes. Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) officials told the GAO that the problem 'was relatively easy to fix and would likely have been addressed during developmental testing had the program allocated more time for that testing.' Thanks to those operational testing delays, the publication of the DOT&E report that informs the full-rate decision production slipped until March 2025. A corresponding decision is now expected sometime this month. Until then, the program is somewhat in limbo, although it has achieved some good results, notably demonstrating 'capability at tactically significant ranges during operational testing.' This has been tempered, however, by how often the pods failed during that same testing. DOT&E officials told the GAO that the pods were 'extremely unreliable.' While we previously knew of issues with reliability, today's report confirms just how bad these are. Although 'the program improved pod reliability as it made software updates, [it] only managed to achieve 14 hours mean time between operational mission failures — short of the 40 hours required.' Not surprisingly, the DOT&E determined that deploying the IRST pods without improving their reliability would transfer risk to the Navy's fleet. Of course, this is bad news for the Navy, and for the F/A-18E/F community specifically, with IRST sensors — which can detect and track objects from a distance and in environments where radar may be ineffective — is increasingly seen as a vital air combat tool. Seemingly ever since it was first flown on a Super Hornet in late 2019, the IRST pod has faced issues. A previous GAO report, in 2023, noted that 'between 20 and 30 percent of the manufactured components [in the IRST pod] failed to meet performance specifications due to microelectronics issues.' These problems persisted more than four years after limited manufacturing had begun and served to delay the launch of developmental and operational testing. The same 2023 report also described how 'staffing challenges' at a critical software development contractor were leading to holdups in the program. Then came a DOT&E report, which looked at the results of tests involving Infrared Optimized Configuration (IROC) pods, described as 'operationally equivalent' but designated for flight test. IROC pods were used for operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) between April and September 2024. This report noted that 'operational test events were adversely affected by IRST Block II system reliability failures' and concluded that the pod 'demonstrated significant reliability problems.' 'Throughout the test period, IRST Block II suffered from hardware and software deficiencies, which required the aircrew to restart the pod multiple times,' the DOT&E report said. 'Troubleshooting and repair often exceeded the abilities of Navy maintenance crews and required assistance from Lockheed Martin.' In the meantime, however, earlier iterations of the pod have already been deployed on operations, carried by Super Hornets in the Middle East, with photos emerging of this appearing in late 2020. As the Navy awaits the decision on whether or not to pursue full-rate production, there's no doubt about the utility of an IRST pod — provided that it works. The specific advantages of the IRST pod are something we have discussed before, including with the Super Hornet program manager: 'Very importantly, the IRST pod provides an entirely passive capability, relying exclusively on the infrared spectrum to detect and track airborne targets, including those at far beyond visual range. With no radio-frequency emissions, the target won't be alerted to the fact that they've been detected and are being tracked. At the same time, the IRST does not give away the location and presence of the host platform. This kind of sensor also provides a vital companion to the Super Hornet's AN/APG-79 radar, functions of which may well be compromised in a heavy electronic attack or radar-denied environment.' Meanwhile, similar kinds of sensors have been found on fighters operated by potential adversaries for decades. China and Russia operate tactical fighters such as the Su-35 and Su-30 Flanker series that incorporate IRST sensors as standard. In Western Europe, the Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen E, for example, also offer them. Closer to home, the U.S. Air Force has already put equivalent sensors on its F-15Cs and F-16Cs, making the delays to the Navy's program all the more puzzling. On the other hand, we don't know exactly how reliable the Air Force's IRST pods are, and we do know that there are substantial differences between the Air Force and Navy versions, although they both use IRST21 as a base the fact that a functioning IRST capability can be integrated on even older platforms without too much difficulty is also evidenced in the contractor-operated adversary community, which is increasingly flying fast jets with IRST sensors to better replicate potential threat aircraft. On the other hand, it should be recalled that not all IRST sensors offer the same level of capabilities, with significant differences also in terms of depth of integration and fusion between different types and aircraft, especially over time. This applies especially to the higher-end IRST pod for the Super Hornet and some of the cheaper off-the-shelf options that are now available. Threat aircraft with IRST capabilities continue to proliferate, but so do the kinds of threat platforms for which a sensor of this kind would be most useful to counter. China, especially, is making rapid developments in stealth technology and advanced electronic warfare, two areas that make the introduction of an IRST sensor all the more compelling. These kinds of infrared sensors are immune to radar-evading stealth technology and are not affected by electromagnetic jamming and other electronic attacks. For Navy Super Hornets, a fully functional ISRT pod would help to detect and target advanced Chinese platforms in a future conflict in the Pacific theater. At the same time, these pods can significantly boost the flight crew's situational air-to-air 'picture' in conjunction with more traditional sensors. As noted previously, there has been some good news with the latest iteration of the IRST pod, specifically the fact that it has, in a test environment, demonstrated that it can detect targets at long ranges. Furthermore, it can translate this data into stable system tracks that would be suitable for weapons employment. With its clear potential, it's certainly alarming for the Navy that it is still being kept waiting for the vital capabilities promised by the IRST pod. Contact the author: thomas@
The Hill
3 hours ago
- The Hill
Kennedy appoints some vaccine critics to ACIP panel
The Big Story Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his picks to replace the members of the vaccine advisory panel he fired this week, with several vaccine and COVID-19 skeptics making the cut. © AP To replace the 17 members he unceremoniously fired on Monday, Kennedy announced eight new members, representing a significant downsizing of the panel that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccine guidance. Kennedy in a post on social platform X said the new members will meet as scheduled on June 25 to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine. They will review safety and efficacy data for the current schedule as well, he said. 'The slate includes highly credentialed scientists, leading public-health experts, and some of America's most accomplished physicians. All of these individuals are committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense,' he added. The newly announced members are: Joseph R. Hibbeln, Martin Kulldorff, Retsef Levi, Robert W. Malone, Cody Meissner, James Pagano, Vicky Pebsworth and Michael A. Ross. Kennedy on Tuesday said none of the new ACIP members will be 'ideological anti-vaxxers' but some of the new members are well-known COVID-19 contrarians and are known for spreading vaccine misinformation. Malone, who claims to be the inventor of mRNA vaccines despite what those who've worked with him say, became a fixture of conservative media during the pandemic. He promoted the use of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin for treating the coronavirus, and repeatedly claimed the COVID shots did not work. Kulldorff was one the leading authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, which pushed the argument of 'herd immunity,' along with Meissner and current NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya. Welcome to The Hill's Health Care newsletter, we're Nathaniel Weixel, Joseph Choi and Alejandra O'Connell-Domenech — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will be impacting the health care sector this week and beyond: Cramer: GOP has no 'stomach' for Medicare changes in Trump megabill Senate Republicans appear less likely to try to make changes to Medicare Advantage as part of their massive tax and spending bill, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said Wednesday. Cramer raised the idea of targeting Medicare Advantage for additional savings last week after a closed-door caucus meeting, saying the program is ideal for reform because it is rife with waste, fraud and abuse. The House-passed bill would cut more … Lawmakers urge Trump administration to clamp down on illicit GLP-1 sales A bipartisan group of congressional lawmakers is calling on the Trump administration to address the continued sale of illicit, compounded GLP-1 products, warning that consumers may be accessing these drugs without knowing the product could be fraudulent. North Carolina Reps. Brad Knott (R) and Deborah Ross (D) wrote to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and … What to know about the new 'Nimbus' COVID variant The World Health Organization (WHO) is keeping an eye on a new COVID-19 variant called NB.1.8.1, or 'Nimbus,' that has spread across Europe, the Americas and the Western Pacific. Nimbus is a descendant of the Omicron variant of the virus and was first identified in late January. Its spike mutations appear to make it more transmissible than other COVID-19 variants, according to the WHO. Spike mutations … Around the Nation Local and state headlines on health care: What We're Reading Health news we've flagged from other outlets: What Others are Reading Most read stories on The Hill right now: Hegseth takes fire from Republicans at heated Senate hearing Republican senators came out firing during Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's hearing on Wednesday before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee … Read more Where the 'No Kings' anti-Trump military parade protests are planned Organizers with the 'No Kings' movement are planning some 1,500 demonstrations across the country to protest the upcoming military parade … Read more What People Think Opinions related to health submitted to The Hill: You're all caught up. See you tomorrow! Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here
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.'
