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ClinicalTrials17 Apr 2026·Phase 3● 8/10i

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Event-Driven Study to Investigate the Effect of Orforglipron on the Incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Participants With Established Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and/or Chronic Kidney Disease

Eli Lilly and Company

Phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes trial testing orforglipron versus placebo in people with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and/or chronic kidney disease. Event-driven study enrolling 7,140 participants with expected completion in August 2031, approximately 5 years duration. This positions Eli Lilly to compete directly with Novo Nordisk's cardiovascular claims for semaglutide by establishing orforglipron as the first small-molecule oral GLP-1 with proven cardiovascular benefits. The trial targets a high-risk population already established for GLP-1 cardiovascular benefit validation.

Strategic signal

Eli Lilly is pursuing cardiovascular indication expansion for orforglipron to match Novo Nordisk's Wegovy cardiovascular claims approved in March 2024. The 5-year timeline means results will arrive well after oral semaglutide's obesity approval in January 2026, potentially limiting first-mover advantage despite orforglipron's dosing convenience. US CMS and EU HTA bodies will likely require head-to-head cardiovascular data versus established GLP-1s rather than placebo comparisons for premium reimbursement positioning.

GLP-1CardiovascularEli Lilly

Original Abstract

The purpose of this study is to measure cardiovascular outcomes with orforglipron compared with placebo in participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Participation in the study will last about 5 years. | Condition(s): Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease; Chronic Kidney Disease | Primary endpoint(s): Time to First Occurrence of Composite Endpoint of Major Cardiovascular Events | Enrollment: 7,140 (estimated) | Phase: Phase 3 | Sponsor: Eli Lilly and Company | Expected completion: 2031-08 | Status: Recruiting | Last update: 2026-04-17

Related signals

FDA1 Apr 2026·New Drug Approval (NDA/BLA)● 10/10iHigh impact

FDA Approves Foundayo (Orforglipron) — New Drug Approval (NDA/BLA)

FDA approved orforglipron (Foundayo, Eli Lilly) for type 2 diabetes -- a once-daily oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist. Orforglipron is the first non-peptide oral GLP-1 approved in the US; oral semaglutide (Rybelsus, Novo Nordisk) has been approved for T2D since 2019 and expanded to obesity in January 2026. Unlike Rybelsus, orforglipron requires no fasting or water volume restrictions before dosing.

GLP-1Type 2 diabetesPricing/accessEli LillyNovo Nordisk
ClinicalTrials19 Mar 2026·Phase 3● 9/10iHigh impact

Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide Once Weekly in Participants Without Type 2 Diabetes Who Have Obesity or Are Overweight With Weight-Related Comorbidities: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (SURMOUNT-1)

Phase 3 SURMOUNT-1 tests once-weekly tirzepatide at three doses versus placebo in adults without type 2 diabetes who have obesity or are overweight with comorbidities. The randomized, double-blind trial targets 2,539 participants with primary efficacy assessment at 72 weeks. This represents tirzepatide's pivotal obesity trial against placebo, potentially supporting Eli Lilly's bid to compete directly with Wegovy in the non-diabetic obesity market. A prediabetes subgroup continues long-term to assess diabetes prevention.

Weight lossGLP-1Eli Lilly
ClinicalTrials17 Apr 2026·Phase 3● 8/10iHigh impactPick of the week

The Effect of Semaglutide in Subjects With Non-cirrhotic Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Phase 3 trial evaluates semaglutide versus placebo in adults with non-cirrhotic NASH, measuring steatohepatitis resolution, fibrosis improvement, and cirrhosis-free survival over approximately 5 years. The study enrolled 1,205 adults and is active but not recruiting, with completion expected in 2029. This represents Novo Nordisk's push into NASH, a major unmet need with no approved GLP-1 therapies despite strong preclinical rationale. The trial's dual primary endpoints and 5-year duration suggest preparation for a pivotal regulatory filing in this large addressable market.

GLP-1Liver/NASHNovo Nordisk
ClinicalTrials17 Apr 2026·Phase 3● 8/10iHigh impact

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Retatrutide Once Weekly in Participants Who Have Obesity or Overweight and Chronic Low Back Pain

Phase 3 trial evaluating retatrutide for chronic low back pain in people with obesity or overweight, targeting dual primary endpoints of pain intensity reduction and weight loss. 586-person placebo-controlled study expected to complete September 2027, investigating a novel indication beyond traditional metabolic endpoints. Eli Lilly is exploring pain management as a potential expansion for their triple agonist, representing the first major trial of a GLP-1-based therapy specifically for chronic pain conditions.

GLP-1Weight lossOtherEli Lilly

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