Drugmaker Eli Lilly announced on Thursday that its experimental oral GLP-1 drug helped people with type 2 diabetes lose an average of nearly 8% of their body weight after 40 weeks, while also lowering their A1C levels.

Lilly, known for injectable drugs like Zepbound for obesity and Mounjaro and Trulicity for diabetes, is among several pharmaceutical companies racing to develop a pill form of GLP-1 medications. So far, the only available GLP-1 pill comes with strict dietary requirements.

This news follows Pfizer’s announcement earlier in the week that it is ending development of its own daily obesity pill due to a possible case of liver injury in a trial participant—an issue that resolved after the drug was discontinued.

While Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus was approved by the US FDA in 2020 to treat type 2 diabetes, it must be taken on an empty stomach. Some doctors also note that it may not be as effective as injectable versions and still causes side effects.

Unlike Rybelsus, Lilly says its oral medication, orforglipron, requires no dietary restrictions. It’s also the first drug of its kind to complete a Phase 3 trial.

In a study involving over 550 people with type 2 diabetes who had inadequate glycemic control through diet and exercise alone, orforglipron—at its highest dose—reduced body weight by an average of 16 pounds (7.9%). The participants continued to lose weight through the end of the 40-week trial.

The study also met its primary goal: lowering A1C levels more effectively than a placebo. Participants saw average reductions of 1.3% to 1.6% from a baseline of 8%.

GLP-1 drugs work by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin and suppressing the release of another hormone, thereby helping regulate blood sugar. They also reduce hunger and help people feel full longer.

Lilly reported that over 65% of participants taking orforglipron reached or maintained an A1C level at or below 6.5%—the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis.

Dr. Dan Skovronsky, Lilly’s chief scientific officer, said that even before seeing the data, the mood in the room gave away the positive results. “When I walked into the room to see the results, I saw everybody smiling, so I knew they were about to share good news with me,” he said.

According to Skovronsky, liver injuries like the one reported in Pfizer’s trial can be a concern with small-molecule drugs, though they are hard to predict without large-scale testing. “We did not see a liver safety signal with ours, which was a relief,” he said.

The side effects of the pill were similar to those of injectable GLP-1s, with upset stomach being the most commonly reported. Most adverse events were mild to moderate. Notably, more than 90% of participants remained on the medication through the duration of the trial—a strong contrast to injectable GLP-1 users, many of whom stop due to side effects.

While injectable GLP-1 drugs are highly effective, they can be expensive and complicated to produce. They also require refrigeration and generate more packaging waste. A daily pill could simplify treatment, reduce costs, and offer a more convenient option for patients—especially those who are needle-phobic.

“Drugs in tablet form are valuable for a lot of patients for a lot of reasons,” said Dr. Amy Rothberg of the University of Michigan, “particularly those who are needle-phobic. And it probably just simplifies things to just add on another pill, as opposed to taking a shot, which is a little more complex.”

Accessibility is key, especially for medications used over long periods. “As clinicians, our priority is to align treatment with our patients’ preferences to support long-term adherence,” said Dr. Priya Jaisinghani, an endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health. “For patients who may find injectable therapies challenging or undesirable, an oral alternative may improve both initiation and continuation of therapy.”

Rothberg, who was not involved in the trial, added that she hopes Lilly passes on the cost benefits to patients if the drug is approved. “We could reach many more people then,” she said.

The need is urgent: more than 40% of U.S. adults are living with obesity, and 11.6%—or about 38.4 million Americans—have been diagnosed with diabetes, most of whom have type 2 diabetes, according to the CDC.

Skovronsky said that Lilly is already manufacturing orforglipron in anticipation of high demand, assuming future trials also yield positive outcomes.

Lilly plans to publish the trial results in a peer-reviewed journal and will share more findings later this year, including data from another study focused on weight management. The company is also testing the drug’s potential benefits for high blood pressure and sleep apnea—two conditions that GLP-1 injectables have shown promise in treating.

Lilly aims to seek approval for orforglipron as a weight management treatment by the end of the year and plans to submit results related to type 2 diabetes in 2026.

In a shocking incident, a woman contracted the herpes virus after using shared lipstick samples at a cosmetic store, raising concerns about makeup hygiene.

The incident highlights the risks involved in trying products that come into direct contact with the skin and are shared with a lot of people.

What Is Herpes?

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is very common, and the infection is lifelong. But the symptoms can come and go over different periods of life. Many people never get any symptoms linked to their infection.

The common virus, carried by up to 50 to 80 percent of adults, can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV- 1 is the most common and usually spreads by oral contact. It causes infections in or around the mouth (such as oral herpes or cold sores), as well as genital herpes.

Common oral herpes symptoms include

• blisters (cold sores)
• open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth or lips.

HSV-2 generally spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes.

Its symptoms include painful

• bumps,
• blisters,
• open sores (ulcers) around the genitals or anus.

How Makeup Testers Can Spread Infection

Experts warned that makeup testers can become a breeding ground for germs. The repeated use of the open samples can spur their growth and can then spread by “double-dipping” — reusing an applicator after touching the skin. This can transfer viruses and bacteria between users.

“You can absolutely get a herpes infection from a makeup tester," Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City, told TODAY. "The more ‘double dipping’ that occurs, the higher the chance of spreading viruses or bacteria at a makeup counter.”

A 2010 study by researchers from Rowan University in New Jersey found that cosmetic samples harbored strep, E.coli, and staph.

For two years, the team examined makeup testers at makeup counters, specialty stores, and drug stores. They found that Saturday is the busiest day of the week, and 100 percent of the samples carried some sort of germ.

How To Stay Safe?

To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend:

• Much like the toothbrush, personal cosmetics and cosmetic brushes must not be shared.
• Wash and dry your brushes regularly to avoid bacterial growth.
• Avoid applying testers directly to your lips or skin
• Use disposable applicators
• Test products on your hand rather than your face
• Avoid using testers if you have cuts, chapped lips, or active infections.

April 2 is celebrated worldwide as “Autism Awareness Day” and April as Autism month to create awareness and promote inclusivity and acceptance in society for individuals with autism.

So what exactly is Autism, and why do we need to create a culture of awareness and acceptance?

As per DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria, in simple terms, there is poor eye contact, impaired social communication skills, repetitive patterns (certain movements or fixation on certain toys, objects), difficulties with sensory processing - extreme sensitivity to sensory inputs (dislike loud noises, sensitive to touch), etc.

As a child, these individuals may not respond to name-calling, have poor eye contact/lack gestures like pointing, etc., lack imagination in play, and may not be able to relate and respond to the emotions of others. They have set routines and dislike changes to their routines. All this can cause significant disruption to their day-to-day functioning.

This year’s theme of -Autism and Humanity- Every Life has Value” reiterates the need for inclusion of autism, ensuring equitable representation of these individuals. Ensuring that society not only recognizes them but also treats them with equal respect and dignity.

Educational Support and Inclusive Workplace

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was one of the Government's flagship programs, along with Action for Autism, to disseminate information in schools regarding inclusive education for autism. Education is a key foundation to ensure children with autism get suitable opportunities as adults. Special educators, with additional support in schools, can go a long way in ensuring their potential is maximized.

Many IT giants like Microsoft, Google, and SAP encourage tapping the potential of individuals with autism and their exceptional skills. In our country, organizations and NGOs, including Action for Autism, offer training for future employment opportunities.

There is a spectrum of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) known as Asperger’s syndrome, and these individuals have normal to above average intelligence and can have some exceptional skills, and the world includes some living examples of these with a higher IQ, some of whom are the most successful and famous personalities. Even on the other end of the spectrum, autistic individuals have exceptional skills, some of which include great attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and lateral out-of-the-box thinking.

Options for flexible working hours (part-time), understanding their need for routines, and explaining them beforehand regarding important changes to schedules can help them adapt better to an otherwise challenging workplace.

The Need For Sensitization

Understanding individuals with autism may need little extra support, being a little flexible with time deadlines, giving simple instructions, especially written/visual ones, and allowing them time to overcome their communication barriers can go a long way in ensuring they feel heard and valued like anyone else in the workplace.

Sensitization of all major organization employees to foster a culture of acceptance and awareness, and an accessible work environment, is the need of the hour. Autistic individuals do well in a variety of job profiles, including IT, technology, finance, art and creativity, and administration.

Environmental modifications like background noise cancellation with headphones help those with sensory processing issues. At the end of the day, none of us is perfect, it's recognizing our special skills and strengthening them.

Possibilities are endless if we wish to encourage and make these individuals heard. So, let’s carry the Autism Awareness Day beyond a mere day of awareness and light it up blue. Let’s value and acknowledge them being different, but also empower them to act on their special skills to earn them a dignified place in society and the workplace.

World Autism Awareness Day is observed every year on April 2. The day is important to raise awareness about autism — a neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior — affecting millions of people globally.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 127 people worldwide is diagnosed with the lifelong brain health condition. It is also among the top 10 conditions contributing to health loss globally.

The first child diagnosed with autistic symptoms was Donald Grey Triplett. Labelled as Case 1, he went on to become an American banker, demonstrating that, if provided with the right and inclusive support and opportunities individuals with autism be as productive as others.

“Like anyone else, autistic people should be able to shape their own lives — and help to shape our shared future,” said

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.

World Autism Awareness Day: Date and History

April 2 was designated as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.

The 2007 General Assembly resolution highlighted the need to raise public awareness of autism.

It stated that "children with disabilities should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child’s active participation in the community, as well as the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children".

World Autism Awareness Day: Theme

This year, World Autism Awareness Day is held under the theme "Autism and Humanity - Every Life Has Value".

The 2026 theme highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people. While there are international human rights conventions safeguarding the rights of people with autism, they continue to face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to participation.

“Access to timely, quality health care and support services remains limited, driving inequalities across the life course," the WHO said. The global health body urged "sustained action and greater investment" to address these challenges. It also called for developing inclusive policies and services that uphold the rights of autistic people.

This year's theme, thus, is a call to action to recognize the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people with autism.

Guterres highlighted the need for "equal education, fair employment, and accessible health systems" for all persons with autism and to provide inclusive opportunities to participate and thrive, along with others.

Also read: Expert Reveals Why Childhood Autism Is Going Undetected In India

What is Autism?

The National Health Service (NHS) UK defines autism as not an illness or a medical condition with treatments or a "cure", but a developmental condition that affects how people communicate, learn, behave, and interact with others.

It is a spectrum, which means "everybody with autism is different".

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have difficulty with social interaction, exhibit atypical behavior and activities, or find it hard to communicate.

Early Signs Of Autism

Studies show that symptoms of autism are usually diagnosed within the first 3 years of birth. These include:

• Limited to zero eye contact
• Delayed responses
• Repeating words or actions such as hand-flapping
• Being strong-headed about following the same routine
• Easily annoyed, throws tantrums
• Difficulty understanding and expressing emotions
• Sensitive to certain sounds, textures, lights, or smells.