Orforglipron, marketed as Foundayo and manufactured by Eli Lilly, became available in UK pharmacies following approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) earlier in the month. The UK is the first European country to authorize this medication, which represents the second weight-loss pill approved in the region following the MHRA’s authorization of a tablet form of Wegovy in June.
Foundayo is licensed for individuals with a body mass index of 30 or above, as well as those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have at least one weight-related condition. The medication can also be prescribed to improve blood sugar control in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Administered as a once-daily oral tablet with no food or water restrictions, it provides an alternative to injectable treatments for patients who cannot or prefer not to use injection-based options.
Initially, Foundayo will be accessible through private prescription channels. Eli Lilly is collaborating with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to assess the medication for potential coverage under the National Health Service in England. Pharmaceutical leaders have welcomed the availability of this oral option, noting it could expand access to weight-loss treatment among a broader patient population.
The approval has also highlighted ongoing concerns about counterfeit and unlicensed versions of weight-loss medications. Authorities have previously seized substantial quantities of illegal weight-loss products, and pharmaceutical companies are pursuing legal action against suppliers engaged in unauthorized drug distribution. Health officials are urging patients to obtain treatments exclusively through regulated pharmacy channels to ensure safety and efficacy.
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