Eli Lilly has reported Phase 3 results showing that its investigational oral GLP-1 therapy orforglipron helped adults maintain weight loss after switching from injectable incretin treatments. The findings address a key challenge in long-term obesity management.
Orforglipron Phase 3 trial supports weight maintenance strategy
The ATTAIN-MAINTAIN study evaluated once-daily oral orforglipron in adults who had previously lost weight using injectable therapies, including Wegovy and Zepbound. Importantly, the trial met its primary and key secondary endpoints at 52 weeks.
Participants switching from injectable treatment to orforglipron maintained most of their prior weight loss compared with placebo, following a defined weight plateau.
Switch from injectable incretins to oral GLP-1 therapy
Patients transitioning from Wegovy maintained all but 0.9 kg of their previously achieved weight loss on average. Meanwhile, participants switching from Zepbound maintained weight loss with an average difference of 5.0 kg.
As a result, the data suggest oral GLP-1 therapy may support long-term weight management following injectable treatment.
Safety profile and regulatory status
The safety and tolerability profile of orforglipron was consistent with earlier Phase 3 studies, with gastrointestinal events reported most frequently. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events were comparable between treatment and placebo groups.
Lilly has submitted orforglipron to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults with obesity or overweight.
Broader clinical development programme
Orforglipron is a non-peptide, small molecule oral GLP-1 receptor agonist discovered by Chugai Pharmaceutical and licensed by Lilly. In addition, the molecule is being studied across multiple Phase 3 programmes for cardiometabolic and obesity-related conditions.
Further trial results are expected to be presented at a future medical meeting and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
More information is available via Eli Lilly’s official news site. Related coverage can be found in the Biotechnology section of H2O Global News.
