The UK has authorised Foundayo (orforglipron), a once-daily oral GLP‑1 tablet from Eli Lilly for obesity and type 2 diabetes, making it the first European nation to do so. MHRA approval allows private prescription use immediately, but NHS availability for weight loss is not automatic; Eli Lilly will apply to NICE for a formal recommendation. Trials show the tablet helps prevent weight regain after stopping injections, and experts highlight its convenience and likely lower cost, while noting common side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea.
UK First In Europe To Approve Foundayo: A New Daily Oral GLP‑1 for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
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The United Kingdom has become the first country in Europe to approve Foundayo, a once-daily oral weight-loss tablet developed by Eli Lilly. The drug, whose chemical name is orforglipron, is indicated for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Regulatory status and availability
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorised Foundayo, which means patients can obtain it privately with a prescription. MHRA approval does not automatically guarantee NHS funding or routine NHS availability. Eli Lilly has said the medicine could be used by the NHS immediately for people with type 2 diabetes and that it will apply to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England for a recommendation to use it specifically as a weight-loss treatment.
How Foundayo works
Foundayo belongs to the GLP‑1 class of medicines, which act on appetite-regulating pathways to reduce hunger and support weight loss. Unlike some oral GLP‑1 formulations that need to be taken on an empty stomach, Foundayo can be taken at any time of day, a convenience experts say may help people stick with treatment.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials showed that people who took daily orforglipron for a year largely avoided regaining the weight they had lost after stopping GLP‑1 injections — a known concern when patients discontinue injectable treatments. While the magnitude of weight loss reported with Foundayo is smaller than with some other therapies, researchers describe the changes as clinically meaningful.
Expert views
Dr Simon Cork, Anglia Ruskin University: Foundayo's weight-loss effect is smaller than some alternatives, but patients can still expect significant, clinically meaningful reductions in weight.
Professor Naveed Sattar, University of Glasgow: This is good news. The arrival of another effective oral option, with easier dosing and likely lower cost, should help more people find a treatment that suits their needs.
Practical considerations and side effects
Health professionals emphasise that medication should be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise for best results. As with other GLP‑1 medicines, Foundayo may cause side effects including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting. Access, cost, and NHS availability will depend on NICE decisions and local funding arrangements.
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