Eli Lilly’s daily weight loss pill for obesity and Type 2 diabetes showed significant results in a late-stage trial, with patients losing 10.5% of their weight on average. The pill met main goals and is on track for global approval, offering a needle-free alternative to current injection-based treatments.

The pill, called orforglipron, aims to provide a more convenient option for patients, with no dietary restrictions. Eli Lilly’s shares rose over 4% following the positive trial results, positioning the company as a strong competitor in the weight loss and diabetes market.

The trial data showed that most patients experienced significant weight loss and improved blood sugar levels, with many no longer meeting the criteria for Type 2 diabetes by the end of the study. The pill’s efficacy in patients with obesity and diabetes was described as “unprecedented” by Eli Lilly’s chief scientific officer.

Despite some concerns about side effects leading to treatment discontinuations, Eli Lilly’s pill aims to expand access to obesity treatments and provide a more affordable option than current injections. The pill’s potential to benefit over 100 million adults in the U.S. alone highlights the scale of the opportunity it presents.

Eli Lilly’s pill has shown promise in multiple late-stage trials this year, meeting key goals and demonstrating its efficacy in weight loss and blood sugar control. With the potential to offer individualized patient care and increased acceptability compared to injections, the pill could reshape the landscape of obesity and diabetes treatment.

Read more at CNBC: Eli Lilly weight loss pill orforglipron clears trial, paving way for approval