A new daily weight-loss pill, developed by the pharmaceutical company behind the Mounjaro injection, has been approved for use in the UK – making Britain the first country in Europe to green-light this treatment.
Foundayo, manufactured by Eli Lilly, is designed to tackle both obesity and type 2 diabetes. While the medication will be available to purchase privately with a prescription, the approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not automatically mean it will be offered on the NHS.
Foundayo belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by suppressing appetite and helping people feel fuller for longer. This oral medication follows the MHRA’s approval of a pill version of another popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, back in June.
Eli Lilly has confirmed that Foundayo can be used immediately by the NHS for treating type 2 diabetes. However, the company will be submitting an application to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England, seeking a recommendation for its use as a weight-loss treatment as well.
What Experts Say About Foundayo
Dr Simon Cork, a senior lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, noted that while the weight-loss effects of Foundayo may be slightly less pronounced than some other treatments, patients can still anticipate “significant, clinically meaningful changes to their weight.” He also highlighted a key advantage: the pill is likely to be cheaper than many existing weight-loss medications, which have often been subject to strict NHS restrictions.
Professor Naveed Sattar, an expert at the University of Glasgow, echoed this positive sentiment, calling the approval “good news.” He pointed out another benefit: convenience. Unlike the Wegovy pill, which must be taken on an empty stomach, Foundayo can be taken at any time of day, making it easier for patients to incorporate into their daily routines.
“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,” Professor Sattar added.
Potential Role in Maintaining Weight Loss
Experts believe this new pill could also play a crucial role in helping individuals who have previously used weight-loss injections maintain their results. A known challenge with GLP-1 medications is that stopping them often leads to weight regain. However, trials have shown that patients who took orforglipron – the active ingredient in Foundayo – daily for a year were able to avoid regaining much of the weight they had lost.
This is particularly important, as many people struggle to keep the pounds off once they discontinue injectable treatments. The availability of an oral alternative may offer a more sustainable long-term option for weight management.
How Foundayo Works
Foundayo mimics the action of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released in the gut after eating. This hormone signals the brain to reduce hunger, slows down the emptying of the stomach, and increases feelings of fullness. By enhancing these effects, the drug helps people eat less and lose weight over time.
It is taken once a day as a tablet, and the dosage can be adjusted based on individual response and tolerability. As with any medication, it is not a magic bullet – people using Foundayo are also advised to follow a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity to achieve the best results.
Side Effects and Considerations
Like all medicines, Foundayo can cause side effects. The most commonly reported ones include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. These gastrointestinal symptoms are typical of GLP-1 drugs and often subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, anyone experiencing severe or persistent side effects should consult their healthcare provider.
It is also important to note that Foundayo is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions, or those taking specific other medications should seek medical advice before starting this treatment.
NHS Availability and Next Steps
While the MHRA approval is a significant milestone, it does not guarantee immediate availability on the NHS. For a drug to be prescribed on the health service in England, it must first be evaluated by NICE, which assesses its clinical and cost-effectiveness. Eli Lilly has announced that it will be making a formal submission to NICE for Foundayo to be considered as a weight-loss treatment.
In the meantime, patients who wish to use Foundayo can obtain it through private prescriptions. The cost is expected to be lower than many injectable weight-loss medications, which could make it a more accessible option for those who do not qualify for NHS treatment or who prefer an oral form.
Comparison with Other Weight-Loss Medications
Foundayo joins a growing list of weight-loss drugs available in the UK, including injectables like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). Each has its own profile in terms of efficacy, side effects, and method of administration. While injectables have shown slightly higher average weight loss in clinical trials, the convenience of a daily pill may appeal to many patients who are uncomfortable with needles or who find injections inconvenient.
Dr Cork pointed out that the lower cost of Foundayo could also help alleviate some of the financial strain on the NHS, which has been grappling with the high prices of newer weight-loss medications. If NICE approves it for weight management, it could become a valuable tool in the fight against obesity, a condition that affects millions of people in the UK and contributes to numerous health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
What This Means for Patients
The approval of Foundayo represents another step forward in expanding the range of treatment options available for obesity and type 2 diabetes. For many patients, having a choice between injections and oral tablets can make a significant difference in adherence and overall satisfaction with their treatment plan.
Professor Sattar emphasized that the availability of multiple effective options is crucial. “Different patients have different preferences and needs,” he said. “Some may prefer a daily pill, while others might opt for a weekly injection. The key is that we now have more ways to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight.”
As with any new medication, ongoing research and real-world data will continue to inform how Foundayo is used in clinical practice. The manufacturer will also be monitoring its safety and effectiveness through post-marketing surveillance.
Conclusion
The UK’s approval of Foundayo marks a notable advancement in the field of weight management. With its oral formulation, potential cost savings, and flexible dosing, it offers a promising new option for patients and clinicians alike. While it may not be immediately available on the NHS, its private availability means that those who can afford it can access it right away. For others, the hope is that NICE will soon recognize its value and add it to the list of recommended treatments.
As the landscape of weight-loss therapies continues to evolve, it is clear that no single approach works for everyone. The arrival of Foundayo adds another tool to the arsenal, bringing us closer to a future where effective, personalized obesity care is within reach for all.
