Eli Lilly’s daily obesity pill helped patients lose almost 12% of their body weight, or roughly 27 pounds, in a late-stage trial, leading to a 13% drop in company shares. Rival Novo Nordisk saw a 7% increase in shares. The highest dose of the pill showed comparable weight loss to Novo Nordisk’s weekly injection for obesity, but some patients discontinued due to side effects.

The trial results show that over 59% of patients lost at least 10% of their body weight, with more than 39% losing at least 15%. Orforglipron also reduced cardiovascular risk factors. However, about 10.3% of patients on the highest dose discontinued due to side effects, mainly gastrointestinal.

Eli Lilly CEO stated the results were in line with expectations, and the company plans to submit data to regulators by year-end. The pill’s potential launch next year could revolutionize the weight loss market and provide a needle-free alternative to existing injections. Insurers may be more willing to cover the pill if it is priced competitively.

Despite some patients discontinuing the pill due to side effects, Eli Lilly remains confident in the drug’s potential. The detailed trial results will be presented in September, with more phase three trial data expected later this year. Oral GLP-1s like orforglipron could be a game-changer in the obesity care market, offering convenience and competitive weight loss results.

Read more at CNBC: Eli Lilly obesity pill orforglipron led to 12% weight loss