Lilly’s Weight-Loss Pill Gets Boost from New Trial Data

VIENNA (Reuters) – Eli Lilly‘s bid for approval for an experimental weight-loss pill received positive news on Wednesday with new clinical trial data. The company confirmed it’s too early to expect the drug to be included in a new U.S. speedy review program.

Lilly’s shares increased by approximately half a percentage point on Wednesday. Orforglipron, the pill in question, is designed to mimic the appetite-suppressing GLP-1 hormone, the same target as the company’s successful injection tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Indianapolis-based Lilly aims to expand it’s lead in the rapidly growing GLP-1 drug market against its Danish competitor, Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk was the first to market with GLP-1 medications Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for obesity), but has faced challenges this year, including a CEO change and a 40% drop in share price due to increased competition from Lilly.

Lilly reported that in a direct comparison trial involving adults with type 2 diabetes, orforglipron demonstrated greater effectiveness in lowering average blood sugar and weight compared to Novo Nordisk’s older GLP-1 pill, Rybelsus.

“The data strengthens our conviction that Eli lilly is well positioned to maintain leadership in the obesity and diabetes space,” said a company spokesperson.