A large phase 3 study tested the experimental pill orforglipron in adults with type 2 diabetes.
The drug activates GLP-1 receptors, lowers blood sugar, and reduces appetite.
Patients can take it without fasting.
Participants used the medication for one year.
They lost about six to eight percent of their body weight.
Those taking oral semaglutide lost roughly four to five percent.
Orforglipron also improved glucose control more strongly.
More patients stopped orforglipron because of gastrointestinal side effects.
Discontinuation affected about one in ten users.
Regulators have not yet approved the tablet.
Experts expect oral GLP-1 drugs to expand access because they are easier to use and store.
Researchers still need long-term safety and cardiovascular data.
Specialists believe highly effective incretin therapies could soon become first-line diabetes treatments.
