2026-06-09 13:06:16
A daily weight-loss pill could become a major rival to blockbuster slimming jabs after helping patients lose 11 per cent of their body weight in just six months.
Drug giant AstraZeneca revealed promising trial results for elecoglipron, an experimental tablet that also improved blood sugar levels in patients.
Researchers found the once-a-day pill helped users lose an average of 10.5 per cent of their body weight after 26 weeks.
The findings come from two studies involving more than 700 people.
Experts say the results suggest elecoglipron could challenge upcoming weight-loss pills being developed by the makers of Wegovy and Mounjaro.
The treatment works in a similar way to popular GLP-1 injections, suppressing hunger signals in the brain and gut to reduce overeating.
Unlike some rival treatments, elecoglipron can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.
Researchers also found the pill successfully lowered blood sugar into the target treatment range.
Cambridge University diabetes expert Dr Marie Spreckley, who was not involved in the research, welcomed the results.
She said: “These findings show substantial improvements in both weight and glycaemic control.
“One potentially important feature of elecoglipron is that it is taken orally without food or fluid restrictions.
“This could be convenient for some patients.”
The results compare favourably with other oral weight-loss drugs currently in development.
A semaglutide pill from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, achieved a 13.6 per cent reduction in body weight over 64 weeks.
Meanwhile, Eli Lilly’s orforglipron, developed by the company behind Mounjaro, delivered an 11.2 per cent reduction over 72 weeks.
The latest findings suggest elecoglipron may offer similar benefits in a considerably shorter period.
Demand for weight-loss treatments has surged in recent years, with millions of people turning to medications to tackle obesity and improve their health.
While further testing is still needed before approval, the early results have raised hopes that convenient daily tablets could soon join injections as a powerful weapon in the battle against obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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