Foundayo, manufactured by Eli Lilly under the generic name orforglipron, became available in UK pharmacies earlier this week following regulatory approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) earlier this month. The United Kingdom is the first country in Europe to authorize the medication.
The medication is designed for individuals with a body mass index of 30 or above, or those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have at least one weight-related condition. It also serves to manage blood sugar levels in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The drug is administered as a once-daily oral tablet with no dietary restrictions. Initially, the medication will be available through private prescription, with Eli Lilly currently working with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to assess potential coverage through the National Health Service in England.
Pharmacy leaders have characterized the launch as a significant development for patients who cannot or prefer not to use injectable weight-loss treatments. Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, noted that oral formulations may expand access to weight-management treatment for a broader patient population.
Pharmacy representatives have also raised concerns about the proliferation of counterfeit and unlicensed versions of weight-loss medications. The MHRA previously seized £250,000-worth of unlicensed weight-loss products from a facility in Northampton, and Eli Lilly has initiated legal action against suppliers allegedly involved in distributing unauthorized versions of its medications. Health authorities are advising patients to obtain weight-loss treatments exclusively through licensed and regulated pharmacies.
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