A recent phase III randomized trial found an investigational oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist significantly reducing the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in adults with early-stage type 2 diabetes, indicating its potential as an effective oral treatment option. The findings were published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
The trial enrolled 559 adults who were managing their type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise alone. The participants were randomly assigned to receive one of 3 doses of orforglipron (3 mg, 12 mg, or 36 mg) or a placebo once daily for 40 weeks. All participants had a starting glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level between 7.0% and 9.5%, and a body mass index (BMI) of at least 23.
By the end of the 40-week trial, orforglipron significantly outperformed the placebo in reducing HbA1c levels. On average, HbA1c levels dropped by 1.24 percentage points with the 3 mg dose, 1.47 points with the 12 mg dose, and 1.48 points with the 36 mg dose. The patients on placebo experienced a modest 0.41-point reduction. This translates to a mean HbA1c of approximately 6.5–6.7% for orforglipron users, nearing the American Diabetes Association’s target range for good glycemic control.
The participants taking orforglipron saw body weight reductions of 4.5% (3 mg dose), 5.8% (12 mg), and 7.6% (36 mg), when compared to just 1.7% for those on placebo. These effects align with the known weight-loss potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists, that includes injectable therapies like semaglutide.
Adverse effects were mostly nausea and diarrhea, which occurred primarily during the dose-escalation phase. These side effects were generally mild to moderate, and no severe hypoglycemia was reported. However, 4.4% to 7.8% of orforglipron recipients discontinued the drug due to side effects, when compared to 1.4% in the placebo group.
Unlike most GLP-1 receptor agonists currently available, which require injection, orforglipron offers patients a once-daily pill alternative. This convenience could significantly improve treatment adherence and accessibility for individuals who are hesitant about injections.
Overall, these findings confirm the strong potential of orforglipron as an effective and well-tolerated option for managing blood sugar and supporting weight loss in people with early type 2 diabetes. Larger and longer-term studies are expected to provide further insight into its durability and safety.
Source:
Rosenstock, J., Hsia, S., Nevarez Ruiz, L., Eyde, S., Cox, D., Wu, W.-S., Liu, R., Li, J., Fernández Landó, L., Denning, M., Ludwig, L., & Chen, Y. (2025). Orforglipron, an oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, in early type 2 diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2505669
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