Trials of a daily obesity pill have shown it can help patients lose around 12% of their body weight over 72 weeks. The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, says the drug, which is not yet licensed, could be available next year.

A new daily weight loss pill could be available soon – and a recent trial has shown that people taking the drug can shed kilos in weeks. Its release will offer people with obesity a new and convenient alternative to jabs. Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly said it expects substantial demand when the new pill is launched.

Eli Lilly says a new pill for obesity, similar to existing GLP-1 medications that can only be injected, is showing promise in a clinical trial.