A new once-daily pill that treats diabetes and aids weight loss is available in UK pharmacies from Monday. Orforglipron, sold under the brand name Foundayo and made by American pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly, was authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) earlier this month, according to multiple reports. The UK is the first country in Europe to approve the drug.

Availability and licensing

Eli Lilly said it is also working with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on an assessment for a potential rollout in the NHS in England. The drug is licensed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or those with a BMI between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related health condition. It can also be used to improve blood sugar control in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Unlike some injectable weight loss treatments, Foundayo is taken once a day at any time, with no requirement to take it with food or water. The dosage starts at 0.8mg and increases over time through 2.5mg, 5.5mg, 9mg, 14.5mg and up to 17.2mg. Patients are expected to remain on each dose level for at least a month.

Strict safety warning

Pharmacists have welcomed the availability. Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: "This is another significant day with a second weight loss pill available from today in certain pharmacies. This is particularly significant for patients who cannot or do not want to take an injectable medicine and could make weight loss treatment available to a wider range of patients."

Gregg also warned about the risk of counterfeit products, stating: "It is easier for criminals to provide fake, unlicensed or counterfeit versions of oral medications than injectables and patients must make sure they only access weight loss treatments through safe and regulated pharmacies."

He added: "There must now be a redoubling of efforts within Government and the NHS to use pharmacies to make sure more eligible patients in clinical need can get weight loss treatments on the NHS, rather than the current postcode lottery that exists for weight management services via GPs."

Manufacturer's response

Khalil Asmar, vice-president of cardiometabolic health at Lilly Northern Europe, said: "The UK is the first country in Europe where Foundayo is now available. We're pleased that this means there is another oral treatment option for eligible UK patients alongside licensed injectable treatments."

The approval comes as rival pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk launched its Wegovy pill in June, which has been available via Boots Online Doctor. In early data, the Wegovy pill reportedly represents 47% of prescriptions to new patients at Boots Online Doctor each week, as noted by medical director Dr David Gwynne.

Availability and context

Reports indicate that Foundayo is currently available only via private prescription. The Sun reported that it will cost around £64 for the first month of the lowest dose (0.8mg), and £169 for the highest dose (17.2mg). It also noted that some 20 million people in the UK may be eligible based on BMI thresholds. However, these details were not included in the reports that focused on the public health service angle.

One region, The Sun, provided a slightly different framing, emphasising the Mounjaro connection: "A NEW weight loss pill from the makers of Mounjaro will be available from today." It also reported that while Mounjaro yields about 20% weight loss over 72 weeks, Foundayo is expected to produce around 12% weight loss over the same period.

As the first European country to approve the pill, the UK is a key market. The availability of Foundayo broadens patient options beyond injectables, especially for those who prefer a daily pill.