Researchers tested the new GLP-1 pill orforglipron in a large phase 3 study.
Patients lost 6–8% of body weight during one year of treatment.
Oral semaglutide led to only 4–5% weight loss.
Orforglipron lowered blood sugar more strongly and reduced appetite.
Patients could take the tablet without fasting.
More participants stopped treatment because of gastrointestinal side effects.
About one in ten discontinued the new drug.
Regulators still review orforglipron in the US, UK, and Europe.
Experts expect simple tablets to expand access and reduce costs.
Researchers stress the need for long-term safety data.
They believe effective oral therapies could soon become first-line diabetes treatments.
