Eli Lilly obesity pill shows promise in trial

Eli Lilly said Thursday that its experimental daily obesity and diabetes pill, orforglipron, showed encouraging results in lowering blood sugar and helped people lose weight in late-stage trials.

Patients on the highest dose lost 7.9% of their body weight—about 16 pounds—over 40 weeks. 

The pill’s safety matched current injection treatments, with most side effects being mild to moderate, like nausea and diarrhea.

Though the pill didn’t meet top analyst expectations for lowering blood sugar, Eli Lilly’s stock jumped 11% in premarket trading. 

The company plans to seek approval for obesity use later this year and for diabetes in 2026.

If approved, orforglipron could offer a convenient, needle-free option and help meet the rising demand for weight loss treatments.