Eli Lilly, a prominent US pharmaceutical company, has initiated phase three clinical trials in India for its innovative oral weight-loss drug, orforglipron. This move marks a significant advancement in the realm of weight management, particularly for individuals with type-two diabetes and those who are overweight or obese with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications.

The trials, aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of orforglipron compared to insulin glargine, are underway at 12 sites across India, with a sample size of 120 participants, as per India’s clinical trial registry. Previous research from phase-two trials unveiled promising results, demonstrating that orforglipron led to notable weight loss ranging from 8.6% to 12.6% after 26 weeks of follow-up, significantly surpassing the effects of a placebo.

Eli Lilly‘s spokesperson in India highlighted ongoing clinical studies on novel products, including orforglipron, which is positioned as an oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist. This drug is poised to offer an alternative to injectable weight-loss medications like semaglutide and liraglutide, which have demonstrated effectiveness but pose challenges related to administration.

The announcement comes amidst a burgeoning demand for weight-loss treatments, with the global anti-obesity drugs market projected to exceed $100 billion by the end of the decade. In India alone, the anti-obesity drugs market has witnessed substantial growth, reaching Rs 474 crore in January, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32% over five years, according to data from pharma audit agency Pharmarack.

Eli Lilly‘s global CEO, David Ricks, expressed optimism regarding the potential of orforglipron, particularly in a country like India, where a significant portion of the population grapples with obesity and related health issues. He emphasized the convenience of an oral solid formulation, which could potentially address supply shortages experienced with injectable products.

Experts in the field, including Dr. AK Singh, a consultant endocrinologist, have lauded the promising prospects of orforglipron, citing its potential to offer superior weight-loss outcomes compared to existing treatments. The anticipated ease of adherence due to its oral administration is expected to further enhance its appeal among patients.

Eli Lilly’s foray into advanced clinical trials for orforglipron underscores the intensifying competition in the weight-loss drug market, with rivals like Novo Nordisk vying for dominance. With the pursuit of safer, more effective, and convenient treatment options, these pharmaceutical giants aim to address the pressing global health challenge of obesity and its associated complications.

As the phase three trials progress, the healthcare community eagerly anticipates the outcomes, hopeful for a breakthrough in the fight against obesity and its detrimental health consequences.

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