Foundayo, an orally administered medication manufactured by Eli Lilly and known generically as orforglipron, became available in UK pharmacies at the beginning of this week. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency authorised the drug earlier this month, making the UK the first European country to approve it for use.
The medication 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. Additionally, it can be prescribed to improve blood sugar control in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The tablet is taken once daily without dietary or water restrictions. Initially, the drug will be available through private prescription, though Eli Lilly is collaborating with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on an assessment for potential availability through the health service in England.
Pharmacy representatives characterised the launch as significant for patients unable or unwilling to use injectable weight-loss treatments, potentially broadening access to weight-management options. The National Pharmacy Association noted this represents a second weight-loss pill now accessible in certain pharmacies, complementing the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss that was approved in June.
Pharmacists and regulatory officials have simultaneously raised concerns about counterfeit, unlicensed, and fake versions of GLP-1 medications proliferating in unregulated markets. The pill format is reportedly easier to counterfeit than injectable formulations. The MHRA previously seized £250,000-worth of unlicensed weight-loss pens and ingredients from a factory, and Eli Lilly is pursuing legal action against suppliers allegedly engaged in trafficking counterfeit versions of its drugs. Health authorities are urging patients to obtain treatments exclusively through regulated pharmacy channels.
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