Lloyd Price
- May 19

Orforglipron: the new kid on the GLP-1 block

Exec Summary:

Orforglipron was originally discovered and developed by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Eli Lilly licensed the worldwide development and commercialisation rights for Orforglipron from Chugai in 2018.

Eli Lilly is currently running the clinical trials (phase 3) to see if Orforglipron is effective and safe for weight management and type 2 diabetes treatment. If successful, Eli Lilly would be responsible for bringing the drug to market.

Type of drug: It's a non-peptide glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.

Function: Orforglipron works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, which can increase insulin production, slow digestion, and promote feelings of fullness, ultimately leading to weight loss and improved blood sugar control.

Benefits: If approved, orforglipron could offer a convenient once-daily oral medication for weight management and type 2 diabetes compared to injectable GLP-1 drugs currently available. It's also expected to be cheaper to produce.

Stage of development: Orforglipron is currently in phase 3 clinical trials, which are large-scale studies to assess its efficacy and safety before it can be submitted for regulatory approval.

Side effects: Like other GLP-1 drugs, Orforglipron may cause gastrointestinal side effects, which are usually mild to moderate and tend to happen during the initial dose increase.

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History of Orforglipron

Orforglipron's history is relatively recent, with most developments happening within the last few years:

Discovery: While the exact date isn't publicly available, we know Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. discovered Orforglipron.

Licensing (2018): Eli Lilly struck a deal with Chugai Pharmaceutical to license Orforglipron for global development and commercialization. This is likely when Eli Lilly began taking a prominent role in Orforglipron's story.

Pre-clinical research (before 2020): Both Chugai and Lilly collaborated on pre-clinical research to understand Orforglipron's properties and potential as a treatment.

Phase 2 trials (2020-2023): Eli Lilly conducted phase 2 trials, which are the first large-scale studies in humans to assess Orforglipron's safety and effectiveness for weight management. Results published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2023 showed promising weight loss in participants.

Current stage (as of May 2024): Orforglipron is undergoing phase 3 clinical trials, which are even larger studies involving hundreds or even thousands of participants. This is a crucial stage to confirm Orforglipron's efficacy and safety before seeking regulatory approval for market use.

It's important to note that Orforglipron's history is still unfolding. If phase 3 trials are successful, we might see regulatory applications and potentially Orforglipron becoming a commercial weight loss and diabetes treatment in the coming years.

Potential of Orforglipron

Orforglipron shows promise as a new treatment for both obesity and type 2 diabetes, with several potential benefits:

Effective weight loss: Phase 2 trials produced significant weight loss (up to 14.7%) in participants, comparable to existing injectable GLP-1 drugs.

Improved blood sugar control: Studies indicate Orforglipron can effectively lower A1C levels, a key indicator of blood sugar management in diabetes.

Convenient oral medication: Unlike current injectable GLP-1 drugs, Orforglipron would be a convenient once-daily pill, potentially improving medication adherence.

Cost-effectiveness: Being an oral medication, Orforglipron is expected to be cheaper to produce than injectable drugs, potentially making it a more accessible treatment option.

Here's a breakdown of Orforglipron's potential impact on both conditions:

For obesity: Orforglipron could be a valuable addition to the weight management toolbox, offering a new, potentially more convenient option for those struggling with obesity.

For type 2 diabetes: If proven effective, Orforglipron could provide another treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes, particularly those who have difficulty managing their weight or struggle with injectable medications.

However, it's important to consider some ongoing aspects of Orforglipron's development:

Phase 3 trials: While phase 2 results were promising, successful phase 3 trials are crucial to confirm Orforglipron's efficacy and safety in a larger population.

Long-term effects: Long-term studies are needed to assess Orforglipron's safety and effectiveness over extended periods.

Side effects: Like other GLP-1 drugs, Orforglipron may cause gastrointestinal side effects, although studies suggest they are usually mild to moderate.

Overall, Orforglipron has the potential to be a significant advancement in both weight management and type 2 diabetes treatment. However, more research and larger clinical trials are needed before it can become a widely available treatment option.