Eli Lilly's newest breakthrough is a oral weight loss pill, having passed its initial late-stage test, it may revolutionize the way we think about health care, especially in the fight against obesity and diabetes.

In a development just announced that promises to change the future of managing chronic diseases, drugmaker Eli Lilly has said its oral weight-loss medicine, orforglipron, has attained its main objectives in the first of multiple late-stage clinical trials. The study, in patients with Type 2 diabetes, showed that the pill can reduce both blood sugar and body weight successfully without injections.

As demand picks up for GLP-1 medicines such as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, Eli Lilly's orforglipron joins a high-risk competition to provide effective, easy-to-use alternatives to injectable drugs. The advantage of orforglipron over its rivals is that it is not a peptide-based medicine. What that implies is that it is simpler for the body to absorb and is not accompanied by dietary limitations common with oral GLP-1 medicines such as Novo's Rybelsus.

The medication works by simulating incretin hormones—naturally occurring gut hormones such as GLP-1 that control blood glucose and curb appetite. By making this available in pill form, Lilly is positioning orforglipron as a strongly scalable, easier-to-produce, and more patient-friendly alternative that doesn't need refrigeration or injection pens—a particularly significant transition for global health accessibility.

In its initial late-stage trial, orforglipron allowed Type 2 diabetes patients to lose a 7.9% decrease in body weight over 40 weeks, which averaged about 16 pounds. Notably, there was no weight loss plateau at the conclusion of the study, suggesting the possibility of even greater outcomes over time.

But while the weight-loss numbers were strong, the pill came up a little short of expectations in one key diabetes measure. Hemoglobin A1c—measure of blood sugar—fell by between 1.3% and 1.6% by dose, versus a 0.1% fall in the placebo group. While notable, this was below the 1.8% to 2.1% fall some analysts had expected, particularly in comparison with current injectables such as Novo's Ozempic.

However, Eli Lilly is still hopeful. "Our new incretin medicine has met our expectations for safety and tolerability, glucose control and weight loss," CEO David Ricks said. "We anticipate further data readouts later this year."

The side effect profile of orforglipron is most in line with the side effects of injectable GLP-1 medications. The most frequently reported side effects were nausea (16%), diarrhea (26%), and vomiting (14%), but all were mild to moderate. Approximately 8% of the highest-dose group dropped out of treatment due to side effects—within the range analysts predicted.

Notably, no liver safety issues were reported—an particularly comforting finding considering Pfizer's recent abandonment of its own oral GLP-1 candidate due to liver problems encountered during trials. The lack of severe adverse events has further reinforced confidence in the safety of orforglipron and encouraged hope for its prospects in regulatory consideration.

How Is Orforglipron Different?

What distinguishes orforglipron isn't merely its effectiveness—it's the convenience and adaptability it offers. In contrast to Rybelsus, which demands fasting prior to use and food restriction, orforglipron may be used without dietary restrictions. And although tirzepatide (Lilly's injectable drug called Mounjaro) has been slightly more effective, that orforglipron acts on only one hormone and still closely approaches results is significant.

This places orforglipron firmly in contention for those patients who want a less invasive, day-to-day solution to their weight and blood sugar management that doesn't sacrifice much in terms of performance.

Eli Lilly's five-year strategy is bold. With seven late-stage trials in progress—five for diabetes and two for obesity—the firm will file for obesity treatment FDA approval by the end of 2025 and for Type 2 diabetes in 2026.

Outside of diabetes and obesity, Lilly is investigating other disease uses. For hypertension and other diseases where patients want oral therapies, the pill is being studied, says Lilly's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Dan Skovronsky. That opens up the potential for orforglipron to be used in preventative medicine, allowing patients to control risk factors such as high blood sugar or weight before chronic disease sets in.

The significance goes beyond the clinical—they're financial. Industry experts estimate the market for GLP-1 by the early 2030s at well over $150 billion, oral versions contributing perhaps around $50 billion. To Eli Lilly, with also newly winning FDA clearance of Alzheimer's candidate Kisunla and exploring gene therapy, orforglipron adds to its portfolio still another hoped-for blockbusted nominee.

If approved, orforglipron would be the first oral GLP-1 weight-loss drug, putting Lilly in a dominant position in a growingly competitive space.

Most appealing, perhaps, is orforglipron's potential to reshape society's view of weight management. Such drugs already have been associated with reduced risk for heart disease, sleep apnea, and even addiction and Alzheimer's, due to their metabolic and anti-inflammatory actions.

If used extensively, drugs such as orforglipron may bring about radical changes in consumer behavior, such as altered food demand. Already, some markets are showing decreases in the sale of high-calorie or sugary snacks, a development that may disrupt the diet and processed food industries.

Although orforglipron is still pending regulatory approval, preliminary data has caused warranted enthusiasm. By removing injections, having a robust safety profile, and providing quantifiable gains to Type 2 diabetes patients, this one-daily tablet may transform obesity therapy—and in the process, redefine world health outcomes.

How Does Weight Loss Pill Redefine Global Health?

Eli Lilly's development of orforglipron, an oral weight loss pill, has the potential to significantly reshape global healthcare, particularly in the realms of obesity management and diabetes care. Weight loss and diabetes treatments, especially the newer generation of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, have already created waves by offering transformative results. These injectable medications have been hailed for their ability to reduce blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients while also supporting significant weight loss, addressing two critical health issues simultaneously.

However, despite their efficacy, the need for injections has been a barrier for many patients, contributing to lower adherence rates and complicating long-term usage. This is where orforglipron changes the game. As an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, orforglipron provides a more accessible, needle-free alternative that could potentially reach a much larger pool of patients worldwide. Its ease of use, requiring no injections or refrigeration, makes it a more convenient option, especially for people in regions where access to injectable medications may be limited or costly.

The impact on diabetes care is substantial, as the pill not only aids in controlling blood sugar but also promotes weight loss, an essential factor in managing type 2 diabetes. The combination of improved metabolic control and reduced weight could reduce the burden of diabetes-related complications, including heart disease, kidney issues, and even certain cancers. Furthermore, as orforglipron could be manufactured and distributed on a larger scale, it stands to offer a more cost-effective solution to obesity and diabetes, transforming health systems globally.

Patients taking a widely used blood pressure drug are being advised to verify their medication after a batch was recalled due to incorrect dosage information printed on the packaging. According to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), some packs of lercanidipine, manufactured by Recordati Pharmaceuticals, have been wrongly labelled as containing 10mg tablets, when in fact they contain 20mg tablets.

Over 7000 Packs Are Subject To Recall

More than 7,700 packs already distributed are now subject to the recall, the MHRA has confirmed. Patients who may have the mislabelled medication are being urged to contact their GP, pharmacist, or call NHS 111 for advice. The NHS warns that consuming an excessive dose of lercanidipine can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and drowsiness. The MHRA issued the alert on Thursday after being informed by the Italian pharmaceutical company Recordati that the error was confined to a single batch of lercanidipine, which was initially distributed on April 10. The recalled packs carry the batch number MD4L07 and are marked with an expiry date of January 2028.

Although the front of the affected packs displays the incorrect strength, the correct 20mg dose is printed on the blister strips inside and on the side of some of the boxes. The MHRA advises patients who have been prescribed the 20mg dose to check the blister packaging to ensure they have received the correct medication. However, those prescribed 10mg tablets should seek immediate medical attention if they have this batch.

As a temporary measure, the MHRA suggests that patients who cannot reach a healthcare provider may take half of a 20mg tablet until they receive professional guidance. Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, stated: "Healthcare professionals such as pharmacists are also being asked to stop supplying medicine from the affected batch and to return it to the supplier." She encouraged anyone experiencing suspected side effects to report them through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

In a statement to the BBC, a spokesperson for Recordati said the company is "working proactively" with the MHRA and will contact all customers who might have received the affected batch. “We are investigating the root cause and continue to work with our partners to isolate the issue and minimise disruption to our patients. Patient safety remains our top priority,” the spokesperson added.

What Do We Know About Lercanidipine?

Lercanidipine is used in the treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain), Hypertension (high blood pressure), Arrhythmia, hypertensive emergency, subarachnoid haemorrhage and anal fissure. According to the NHS, it is one of the four types of blood pressure medicines sold across the UK. These pills are a calcium channel blocker. That means it regulates blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing pressure on them, thereby making it easier for the heart to pump more blood throughout the body. In this way, it normalises the blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure.

ALSO READ: RFK Jr.'s Autism Controversial Comments Face Backlash From Parents And Medical Experts

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, is facing strong backlash after making sweeping comments during a recent press conference regarding autism and its supposed causes. As the CDC released a report revealing a rise in autism diagnoses among U.S. children now affecting 1 in 31 8-year-olds Kennedy doubled down on discredited theories linking autism to environmental exposures and vaccines, while portraying the disorder in stark, stigmatizing terms.

His remarks including claims that children with autism “will never hold a job,” “never pay taxes,” or “never use a toilet unassisted”, were swiftly condemned by parents, medical experts, and advocacy groups alike for reinforcing outdated stereotypes and misrepresenting the broad and diverse autism spectrum.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not a single condition with uniform symptoms or outcomes. Rather, it is a neurological and developmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The key word is "spectrum" and it exists for a reason.

Some individuals with autism may be nonverbal and need lifelong support, while others live independently, excel in careers, write books, or even hold public office. “Autism is not a disease,” said actress and autism advocate Holly Robinson Peete in a video statement, responding to Kennedy. “It is a developmental difference and it is important to get that right.”

Her son, RJ, diagnosed 25 years ago, has “shattered a lot of 'never' off that list,” she said, referring to Kennedy’s grim portrayal. Countless parents echoed this sentiment on social media, stating that Kennedy’s generalizations erase the lived realities, milestones, and accomplishments of their children.

CDC Data Shows a Rise in Diagnoses

The CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network reported that 1 in 31 8-year-olds in the U.S. were diagnosed with autism in 2022, compared to 1 in 54 in 2016. But experts stress that this increase is not necessarily cause for alarm. It is, in fact, a sign of progress.

The rise in autism rates is driven largely by improved awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and increased access to evaluations and services. We are identifying children earlier and more accurately that’s a good thing.

Kennedy, however, rejected this explanation as “indefensible” and announced plans for a directive to the National Institutes of Health to investigate “environmental exposures” as the root cause — reigniting long-debunked concerns about vaccines and toxins.

Despite overwhelming scientific consensus debunking any link between vaccines and autism, Kennedy has long been associated with promoting vaccine hesitancy. His latest comments, veiled in language about “environmental exposures,” once again hint at this discredited narrative.

Leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, have repeatedly emphasized that vaccines are safe, effective, and have no causal relationship with autism. Resurrecting these claims only spreads fear and confusion. It undermines public health and harms autistic people by framing their existence as a preventable tragedy.

Parents Demand a Shift in the Narrative

Perhaps the strongest rebuke came from parents of autistic children themselves. Samantha Taylor, whose 20-year-old son is on the spectrum, told Good Morning America, “Autism doesn’t destroy families misinformation does.” In a viral Facebook post, she added, “What truly causes damage is the relentless portrayal of autism as something catastrophic, rather than a different way of experiencing the world.”

Kennedy’s comments, they say, not only ignore the complexity of the condition but strip children of their dignity and potential.

“Statements like ‘they’ll never write a poem’ deny the creative genius that so many autistic individuals demonstrate,” said Peete. “It’s dangerous, it’s harmful, and it’s simply false.”

Experts Call for More Informed Leadership

While Kennedy has promised answers by September through federally backed studies, medical experts warn that his rhetoric may set back years of advocacy and research by framing autism as an “epidemic” akin to an infectious disease.

Autism is not something to be eradicated, it’s something to be understood, supported, and embraced. Families deserve resources, not fearmongering.

In the last two decades, the medical community has shifted toward neurodiversity — a perspective that recognizes neurological differences like autism as natural variations of the human genome. This philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, respect, and strength-based approaches rather than medicalizing difference.

At a time when public trust in institutions is fragile, the words of public officials matter deeply. Kennedy’s comments have triggered a reckoning not only about how autism is portrayed in the media and politics but also about how society chooses to value — or devalue — people who are different.

Advocates stress the need for policies rooted in science, not stigma, and for leadership that uplifts rather than marginalizes.

As the national conversation around autism continues, one thing is clear: the autism community — parents, children, adults on the spectrum, clinicians, and allies — is not going to stay silent in the face of outdated narratives.

On World Liver Day, which is observed on April 19, to spread awareness about liver health and the life-saving power of organ donation, let us look at one such real-life story. This is where doctor's prompt's action and one's selfless donation saved one human's life.

When the 30-year-old Delhi-based man walked into the hospital, he had yellow eyes and dangerously high liver enzymes. He was admitted in Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj. That moment, he rarely knew that his life was, in fact, hanging by a thread. The man was diagnosed with acute liver failure, which was caused by viral hepatitis. His body was slowly shutting down. The frequency of his body shutting down had increased. The doctors also quickly informed the family. This was the one last hope of survival - a liver transplant.

The First Option Failed

His sister was family's first ray of hope. She was also willing and had a compatible liver whose part of it could be donated. However, pre-surgery tests revealed that her liver size was too small to ensure a safe transplant. The family then proposed the patient's brother-in-law - a second-degree relative, as the next donor. His liver was a better match, but since he was not an immediate blood relative, there had to be special regulatory approvals which were required.

However, the worsening condition of the patients allowed no such time.

The hospital too scrambled to get clearance for the brother-in-law. All this while, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest. The situation turned dire within minutes. Doctors performed CPR to revive him. He was immediately put on ventilator support. The decision had to be taken soon.

A Miraculous Surgery

With no time in hand, the doctors decided to go ahead with the sister as the donor, though there were risks there too.

A team of highly skilled hepatobiliary surgeons, anesthesiologists, and critical care specialists took over. In a high-risk, nine-hour surgery, they removed the patient’s failing liver and replaced it with part of his sister’s.

“This was one of the most challenging cases we’ve handled,” said Dr. Ajitabh Srivastava, Director – HPB Surgery & Liver Transplant. “When the patient collapsed, our team acted within seconds. Every decision, every move mattered. His survival was truly a team triumph.”

The patient is now recovering well.

What Is A Liver Transplant?

As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor. It’s often the last resort when liver failure occurs—whether due to chronic illness or sudden injury.

When Is It Needed?

People may need a liver transplant for:

• Alcoholic liver disease
• Fatty liver disease (NASH)
• Cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C
• Liver cancer with cirrhosis
• Acute liver failure (often due to drug overdose, hepatitis, or toxins)

In children, biliary atresia is the most common reason.

Types of Liver Transplants

Deceased Donor Transplant:

The most common type, where a full or partial liver is taken from someone who has recently died.

Living Donor Transplant:

A healthy person donates a portion of their liver—typically a close relative. Both the donor’s and recipient’s liver regenerate to normal size in a few weeks.

What Must Be Kept In The Mind?

• Matching and Compatibility: Blood type, liver size, and health are crucial.
• Approval Process: Especially important for non-blood relatives.
• Recovery and Monitoring: Post-op care involves lifelong medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups.