Frontline Pharma: Sarah O’Keeffe - Scorecard - MDSpire

Frontline Pharma: Sarah O’Keeffe

Ahead of HPLC 2026, Eli Lilly’s Sarah O’Keeffe reflects on leadership, collaboration, and the analytical advances helping bring increasingly complex medicines to patients

  • By

  • James Strachan

  • May 8, 2026

  • 16 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Frontline Pharma: Sarah O’Keeffe

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionObesity
Key MechanismsGLP-1 receptor agonism
Target PopulationPatients with obesity
Care SettingOutpatient

Key Highlights

  • FDA approval of orforglipron (Foundayo) as a once-daily oral obesity treatment.
  • Innovative synthesis process for orforglipron is seven times more efficient.
  • Integration of advanced data science and AI in drug development.
  • Focus on sustainable manufacturing and reduced waste in drug synthesis.
  • Development of patient-friendly drug delivery systems.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Assess BMI and obesity-related comorbidities.

Management

  • Consider GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regular follow-up on weight loss and side effects.

Risks

  • Monitor for gastrointestinal side effects and potential pancreatitis.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adults with obesity, including those with comorbid conditions.

Orforglipron can be taken without food or water restrictions.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Utilize efficient synthesis methods to enhance drug development.
  • Incorporate multi-dimensional chromatography in analytical processes.
  • Leverage digital technologies for accelerated clinical supply.

References

Original Source(s)

Frontline Pharma: Sarah O’Keeffe

  • by James Strachan

  • May 8, 2026

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