A new oral GLP-1 drug candidate could transform the diabetes and weight loss drug boom. Why it matters: Eli Lilly said on Thursday that its experimental pill — called orforglipron — is showing promising results and could serve as an alternative to blockbuster injectable medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Diabetics given the pill called orforglipron lost 16 pounds, or 7.9% of their body weight, over a 40-week period.