A new oral GLP-1 medication has shown strong weight-loss and blood-sugar benefits for adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Results from the ATTAIN-2 trial, led by a UTHealth Houston researcher, reveal that the daily pill orforglipron helps patients lose more weight than a placebo and improves overall glucose control.
Obesity is a long-term medical condition that increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and several cancers. Current GLP-1 treatments are available only as daily or weekly injections. These injections require cold storage and can cause injection-site reactions and discomfort. Orforglipron offers an alternative that avoids these challenges.
The findings, published in The Lancet, highlight the potential of this once-daily pill. Orforglipron is a small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist that stimulates insulin release and reduces glucagon production. It helps lower blood sugar, decrease appetite, and reduce food intake. The medication does not require refrigeration and can be taken without regard to meals or water intake.
Earlier research showed that orforglipron reduced body weight by 12.4% over 72 weeks in adults with obesity but without diabetes. The new trial focused on people who had both obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
ATTAIN-2 was a double-blind, 72-week study conducted at 136 sites across 10 countries. A total of 1,613 adults began treatment with a 1-mg dose of orforglipron, which increased every four weeks up to 6 mg, 12 mg, or 36 mg. A separate group received a placebo. All participants were encouraged to follow a healthy diet and increase physical activity. Instead of restricting calories, the program emphasized portion control, regular meals, higher protein and fiber intake, and limiting saturated fat, added sugar, and salt. Participants were also advised to engage in at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly.
After 72 weeks, patients taking 6 mg lost an average of 5.5% of their body weight. Those taking 12 mg lost 7.8%, and those on 36 mg lost 10.5%. The placebo group lost only 2.2%. Blood-sugar levels improved significantly in the treatment groups, and side effects were mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, similar to commonly used injected GLP-1 drugs.
Researchers noted that weight loss is often more difficult for people with diabetes. Having an effective oral medication may expand access, especially as orforglipron is expected to cost far less than injectable options once approved. It is projected to reach the market in 2026 and may become widely covered by insurance plans.
Orforglipron represents a convenient option for both clinicians and patients, offering an easier pathway to manage weight and diabetes without injections.
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