Groundbreaking Drug Launches
Orforglipron
(LY-3502970/OWL 833)
Mechanism of Action: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists Drug class: Small molecules Originator and Owner: Chugai Pharmaceutical Indication: Obesity Trial: ATTAIN-2
Obesity
Obesity is a complex condition characterized by excess body fat. It is not merely a cosmetic issue but a serious medical problem that raises the risk of various other diseases and health complications. These include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.
Symptoms
Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to assess obesity. To calculate BMI, multiply weight in pounds by 703, then divide by height in inches squared. Alternatively, divide weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. There are also several online calculators available to help determine BMI.
Why is Orforglipron poised to make an impact in 2025?
Obesity treatment encounters several challenges, including cost, accessibility, and patient readiness. Cost: • Treatment Costs: Obesity treatments can be costly, particularly for individuals with lower socioeconomic status. • Healthy Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet can be expensive. • Weight Loss Programs: Joining weight loss programs or gym memberships can be financially burdensome. • Medication: Many healthcare systems do not reimburse the cost of obesity medications. Access: • Access to Treatment: Some individuals may face barriers in accessing proper treatment. • Policy Changes: Changes in policies may be necessary to improve access to care.
Orforglipron poised to make an impact in 2025:
Orforglipron, an oral medication developed by Eli Lilly, aims to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. Following the success of drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) and other GLP-1 agonists, 2025 is expected to see new treatments targeting obesity. Orforglipron, being an oral pill, is potentially cheaper and easier to produce than injectable options, making it a more accessible treatment.
The global weight-loss drug market is expected to grow from $15 billion this year to $94 billion by 2030, driven by GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound.
2025
2030
However, the high cost of treatments like Wegovy has limited access, with only half of U.S. patients covered by private insurance. Orforglipron’s oral form makes it more appealing for markets outside the U.S., where oral medications are preferred. Eli Lilly has licensed Orforglipron from Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, which stands to receive tiered royalties on future worldwide sales if the product is successful. As of December 31, 2023, Chugai is also eligible for up to $140 million in regulatory milestone payments and up to $250 million in sales-based milestones if Orforglipron succeeds commercially. Lilly began phase 3 testing for Orforglipron in late 2024, with a large study involving 1,500 participants set to conclude in August 2025. According to Lilly’s third-quarter earnings, results from this trial are expected to make a significant impact on the obesity market later this year.
Registrational Trial
Eli Lilly launched the ATTAIN-2 trial to assess the safety and efficacy of orforglipron as a once-daily oral treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. This trial is part of a global clinical program aimed at developing orforglipron as a long-term weight management solution.
ATTAIN-2:
A phase 3, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, enrolled 1500 patients and aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily oral orforglipron (LY3502970) compared to a placebo in adults with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes (NCT05872620).
“Results from the ATTAIN-2 trial will significantly impact the obesity market later this year”