Novo Nordisk's Oral Semaglutide Shows Promise in Obesity Trial; Eli Lilly's Orforglipron Outperforms in Head-to-Head
Novo Nordisk has revealed promising results from a phase 3 trial of its oral semaglutide at a higher dosage for treating obesity. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly has shared top-line results from a head-to-head trial comparing its oral GLP-1 pill, orforglipron, with Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide.
In the Oasis 4 trial, oral semaglutide at a 25mg dosage demonstrated an average weight reduction of 16.6% in participants with obesity. Notably, neither drug is currently available for sale.
In a recent head-to-head trial, Eli Lilly's orforglipron showed a 9.2% average weight loss at its highest dosage of 36mg, outperforming oral semaglutide's 5.3% reduction at its highest dosage of 14mg. However, the trial results do not necessarily indicate that orforglipron will outperform oral semaglutide in the obesity indication.
Eli Lilly has also claimed superiority of orforglipron in treating type 2 diabetes based on key secondary endpoints, including weight loss. The drug showed a 2.2% reduction in A1C levels at the highest dosage, compared to a 1.4% reduction for oral semaglutide at its highest dosage.
While Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide at a higher dosage showed promising results in obesity treatment, Eli Lilly's orforglipron demonstrated superior weight loss in a head-to-head trial. However, the clinical implications for obesity treatment remain to be fully understood. Both drugs are not yet available for sale, and further research is needed to determine their long-term effects and safety.
