Eli Lilly's orforglipron shows superiority over semaglutide in diabetes trial

The ACHIEVE-3 trial showed that orforglipron significantly reduced HbA1c and body weight compared to oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, at 52 weeks, orforglipron (36mg) lowered HbA1c by 2.2% versus 1.4% for semaglutide (14mg). High-dose orforglipron (36mg) recipients experienced an average weight loss of 19.7 pounds, outperforming semaglutide (14mg) which resulted in a 11.0 pounds reduction.

Orforglipron also demonstrated improvements in non-HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and triglycerides. The overall safety and tolerability profile was consistent with previous trials, with gastrointestinal issues being the most common adverse events, generally mild to moderate in severity. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events for orforglipron (36mg) were 9.7% compared to 4.9% for semaglutide (14mg). No safety signals related to liver function were observed.

Eli Lilly plans to submit orforglipron for regulatory approval as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in various countries in 2026. The company stated that this announcement has no impact on its consolidated financial performance forecast for the fiscal year ending December 2025.