A potentially revolutionary daily weight loss pill could eliminate the need for jabs in patients with type 2 diabetes, a study suggests. The promising medication is the first oral version of a GLP-1 receptor agonist to successfully complete a major trial and works in the same way as injected drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

In a 40-week study, more than 500 people with type 2 diabetes were given either a placebo or one of three possible doses (3mg, 12mg and 36mg) of the drug, orforglipron. Those taking the highest dose lost on average 7.2kg, or 7.9% of their body weight. Crucially, their HbA1C levels — a measure of average blood sugar — fell by 1.5% and more than 65% were able to bring their levels below the defined threshold for diabetes.

Researchers noted that participants did not see their weight plateau by the end of the study, so even greater weight loss could likely be achieved.

David A Ricks, chief executive of the drug’s manufacturer Lilly, said: “As a convenient once-daily pill, orforglipron may provide a new option and, if approved, could be readily manufactured and launched at scale for use by people around the world."

Around 5.8 million people are thought to be living with diabetes in the UK, and 90% have type 2 which is often linked to lifestyle factors.

GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking the action of hormones that regular appetite, making patients feel fuller and reducing hunger.

Injectable drugs to aid slimming were a major breakthrough in treatment of the condition. Now, the trial results suggest that similar benefits could be achieved without needles.

Professor Naveed Sattar, and expert in cardiometabolic medicine and honorary consultant at the University of Glasgow, described the results as “important”.

He said: “Having new oral agents that lower glucose but also meaningfully lower weight well beyond levels seen with most existing diabetes therapies is critical to future type 2 diabetes care. 

“This because recent research has shown excess weight not only leads to type 2 diabetes in the first place in many but that it is also a major contributor to many of its associated complications.”

Prof Sattar said intentional weight loss often helped to improve patients’ quality of life. He added: “Of course, one caveat is that we do not know the effects of this newer therapy on cardiovascular outcomes but this will be forthcoming in future trials.  

“It is also good to hear about the safety profile of these new oral GLP-1RA drugs – especially the liver results – and it will be good to see the data in a full publication in due course.”

Professor Rachel Batterham, senior vice president for international medical affairs at Lilly, said: “Living with type 2 diabetes can be challenging, especially when daily management involves complex treatment routines.

“Orforglipron could potentially offer a promising new option for the more than 75% of people with type 2 diabetes who prefer pills over injections.”