A new daily weight-loss pill, Foundayo, developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, has been approved for use in the United Kingdom. This marks the first European country to approve the medication, which is intended for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Foundayo, a form of GLP-1 medication that helps reduce appetite, is available with a prescription for private purchase. However, its approval by the Medicines and Healthcare productors Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not guarantee automatic availability through the National Health Service (NHS).
Eli Lilly indicated that while the drug can be immediately utilized by the NHS for type 2 diabetes treatment, the company will submit an application to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England for its recommendation as a weight loss therapy. This follows the MHRA's approval of a pill version of a similar weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in June.
Experts suggest that Foundayo could offer significant weight loss benefits, with Dr. Simon Cork of Anglia Ruskin University noting that patients can expect "significant, clinically meaningful changes to their weight." He also pointed out that the pill is likely to be more affordable than other weight-loss treatments, which have faced restrictions on NHS provision. Professor Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow echoed this sentiment, highlighting the drug's convenience, as it can be taken at any time of day, unlike the Wegovy pill which requires an empty stomach. "The arrival of another effective oral option is a positive development and should help more people access treatment that best suits their needs and preferences," Sattar stated.
Clinical trials indicated that Foundayo, also known as orforglipron, may assist individuals in maintaining weight loss after discontinuing GLP-1 injections, a common challenge where patients tend to regain lost weight. The trials showed that participants taking the tablet daily for a year avoided significant weight regain.
As with all medications, Foundayo may have side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Health professionals continue to advise that weight management also involves a healthy diet and regular exercise.