Eli Lilly Shares Soar 14.23% on Orforglipron's Positive Trial Results

On April 18, 2025, Eli Lilly's stock surged by 14.23% in pre-market trading, driven by the company's groundbreaking announcement regarding its GLP-1 weight-loss drug, Orforglipron.

Eli Lilly recently announced the positive top-line results from its Phase 3 clinical trial, ACHIEVE-1, for Orforglipron. The trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of Orforglipron compared to a placebo in adults with type 2 diabetes who had inadequate glycemic control despite diet and exercise. The results showed that Orforglipron significantly reduced HbA1c levels and body weight, with over 65% of patients achieving an HbA1c level of ≤6.5% after 40 weeks of treatment. Additionally, patients on the highest dose of Orforglipron lost an average of 7.3 kg in weight.

Orforglipron is the first oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist to successfully complete Phase 3 trials, offering a convenient and effective alternative to injectable GLP-1 drugs. The drug's ability to be taken at any time without dietary restrictions enhances patient compliance and convenience. Eli Lilly plans to submit Orforglipron for regulatory approval for weight management by the end of 2025 and for type 2 diabetes treatment in 2026.

In contrast, Pfizer recently terminated the development of its oral GLP-1 drug, Danuglipron, due to safety concerns, including potential liver damage. This setback highlights the competitive landscape and the challenges in developing safe and effective oral GLP-1 drugs. Eli Lilly's success with Orforglipron positions the company as a leader in the GLP-1 market, with potential to disrupt the current landscape dominated by injectable treatments.