The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has approved Foundayo, a daily oral medication manufactured by Eli Lilly for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The approval marks the first authorization of this type of medication in Europe. Foundayo is a GLP-1 medication designed to reduce appetite and follows the earlier UK approval of a pill version of Wegovy in June.
While individuals may obtain Foundayo through private prescription immediately, the regulatory approval does not guarantee NHS coverage. Eli Lilly indicated that the medication could be used by the NHS for type 2 diabetes treatment without delay, but the company plans to submit an application to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence seeking recommendations for its use as a weight-loss treatment on the public health system.
Experts have responded positively to the approval. Dr Simon Cork from Anglia Ruskin University noted that while Foundayo produces less weight loss than certain alternative treatments, patients should anticipate “significant, clinically meaningful changes to their weight.” He highlighted potential cost advantages compared to other weight-loss therapies, which the NHS has typically restricted significantly. Prof Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow emphasized the medication’s convenience, noting that unlike Wegovy tablets, Foundayo can be taken at any time rather than requiring an empty stomach. Researchers believe the medication could assist individuals transitioning away from weight-loss injections.
Clinical trials demonstrated that patients who previously used weight-loss injections and subsequently received daily Foundayo tablets for a year maintained most of their weight loss, addressing concerns about weight regain following GLP-1 injection discontinuation. Medical guidance recommends that individuals using weight-loss medications maintain healthy dietary habits and adequate physical activity. Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting.
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