What's Happening?
Eli Lilly and Company has announced successful results from its Phase 3 ATTAIN-2 trial, evaluating orforglipron, an investigational oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, in adults with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes. The trial demonstrated that all three doses of orforglipron met the primary and key secondary endpoints, showing significant weight loss, meaningful A1C reductions, and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors over a 72-week period. The highest dose of orforglipron led to an average weight loss of 10.5%, compared to a 2.2% loss with placebo, and reduced A1C levels by 1.3% to 1.8% from a baseline of 8.1%. Additionally, 75% of participants on the highest dose achieved an A1C of ≤6.5%, meeting the American Diabetes Association's definition of diabetes remission.
Why It's Important?
The success of orforglipron in the ATTAIN-2 trial represents a significant advancement in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, offering a potential new oral therapy option for patients. This development is particularly important as it provides an alternative to injectable GLP-1 therapies, which may be preferred by patients seeking convenience and ease of use. The trial also demonstrated improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, which could have broader implications for reducing the risk of heart disease in patients with obesity and diabetes. If approved, orforglipron could become a widely accessible, once-daily pill, addressing a critical need in global healthcare.
What's Next?
With the completion of the ATTAIN-2 trial, Eli Lilly is preparing to begin global regulatory submissions for orforglipron. The company is moving with urgency to meet the needs of patients, aiming to provide a convenient oral therapy option that can be scaled globally. The regulatory approval process will be closely watched by healthcare providers and patients alike, as orforglipron has the potential to significantly impact the management of obesity and diabetes.
Beyond the Headlines
The development of orforglipron highlights the ongoing innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the field of metabolic health. The success of this oral therapy could pave the way for further advancements in non-injectable treatments, potentially improving patient adherence and outcomes. Additionally, the trial's findings on cardiometabolic health may influence future research and treatment strategies for related conditions.
