A recent study revealed positive outcomes for orforglipron, an oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, in treating adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The ACHIEVE-1 trial, sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, demonstrated that orforglipron considerably improved glycemic control when combined with diet and exercise.

Understanding Orforglipron’s Potential

Orforglipron is designed to stimulate insulin release and slow gastric emptying, which can help reduce food intake and promote weight loss. Its oral form could offer an advantage over injectable GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and dulaglutide, perhaps increasing patient accessibility due to ease of use and lower cost.

“ACHIEVE-1 is the first of 7 phase 3 studies examining the safety and efficacy of orforglipron across people with diabetes and obesity.”

Currently, Eli Lilly and Company is evaluating orforglipron in phase 3 trials for T2D and weight management, and also a possible treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension in individuals with obesity.

ACHIEVE-1 Trial: Key Findings

The ACHIEVE-1 trial involved 559 participants with T2D who where randomly assigned to receive either 3 mg, 12 mg, or 36 mg of orforglipron or a placebo. The study aimed to assess orforglipron’s effectiveness in reducing A1C levels over 40 weeks.

Participants treated with orforglipron experienced a significant reduction in A1C levels, averaging 1.3% to 1.6% from a baseline of 8.0%, compared to the placebo group. Notably,over 65% of participants receiving the highest dose of orforglipron achieved an A1C level of 6.5% or lower.Additionally, those on the highest dose experienced an average weight loss of 16.0 lbs.

according to David A. Ricks, Eli Lilly and Company chair and CEO, “ACHIEVE-1 is the first of 7 phase 3 studies examining the safety and efficacy of orforglipron across people with diabetes and obesity. We are pleased to see that our latest incretin medicine meets our expectations for safety and tolerability, glucose control, and weight loss, and we look forward to additional data readouts later this year.”

The safety profile of orforglipron was similar to other GLP-1 medications,with common adverse events including diarrhea,nausea,dyspepsia,constipation,and vomiting. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events were 4% to 8% in the orforglipron groups, compared to 1% in the placebo group.

Future Outlook

Further results from ACHIEVE-1 will be presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 85^th Scientific Sessions. Eli Lilly and Company anticipates submitting orforglipron for T2D treatment approval in 2026.

Ricks stated, “As a convenient once-daily pill, orforglipron may provide a new option and, if approved, could be readily manufactured and launched at scale for use by people around the world.”