In two mid‑stage studies , AstraZeneca’s experimental oral GLP‑1 agonist elecoglipron helped participants shed more than 10% of their body weight after six months, while also lowering blood pressure and inflammation. The findings, published in The Lancet, come from the Vista trial of 300‑plus volunteers across seven nations and the Solstice trial of over 400 U.S. patients.

Vista trial shows 10.5% weight loss at 75 mg dose

At the highest 75 mg dose, participants in the multinational Vista study lost an average of 10.5% of body weight after 26 weeks, rising to 11.8% at 36 weeks, versus a 0.6% gain in the placebo arm. The trial, which enrolled subjects from Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, the UK and the US, also reported reductions in systolic blood pressure and systemic inflammation.

Solstice data reveal 75% of patients hit 5% weight loss mark

In the U.S.‑based Solstice trial, more than 400 overweight or type‑2‑diabetic participants took elecoglipron, and 75% achieved at least a 5% weight loss after six months, compared with 20.2% on placebo. The study noted a dose‑response trend, with greater weight loss and better glycemic control at higher doses.

Oral delivery sidesteps fasting requirement

Unlike injectable GLP‑1 drugs such as Ozempic, elecoglipron can be taken with food, eliminating the need for strict fasting windows. Researchers highlighted this convenience as a potential advantage for adherence , though gastrointestinal side effects—nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting—were the most common adverse events reported.

Experts caution results may understate ultimate loss

Melanie Davies, professor of diabetes medicine at the University of Leicester and principal investigator for Vista, said the continued weight decline up to 36 weeks suggests a plateau had not yet been reached, implying even greater loss could appear in longer studies. She added that “significant opportunity remains to deliveer broader, sustainable and more meaningful health benefits for the billions of people living with obesity.”

What remains unknown about elecoglipron’s long‑term profile?

Key unanswered points include whether the weight‑loss trajectory will sustain beyond a year, how the drug performs in real‑world populations with diverse comorbidities, and whether cardiovascular outcomes will match those seen with existing GLP‑1 injectables. As AstraZeneca moves into phase‑III trials , the company’s Sharon Barr, executive vice president of biopharmaceutical R&D, said the data give “confidence” but acknowledged that safety and durability will be scrutinized.