New weight loss pill approved for use in UK

The United Kingdom has become the first European country to approve a daily weight-loss pill developed by the pharmaceutical company responsible for the Mounjaro vaccine. This new medication, called Foundayo and produced by Eli Lilly, is designed to treat both obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Although Foundayo will be available to patients via prescription through private purchase, its approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not guarantee that it will be accessible through NHS prescriptions. The drug belongs to the class of GLP-1 medications, which function by suppressing appetite, and follows the MHRA’s earlier approval of a similar weight-loss pill, Wegovy, in June.

Eli Lilly has indicated that while Foundayo can be adopted immediately by the NHS for managing type 2 diabetes, the company will submit an application to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England to recommend its use for weight loss. Dr Simon Cork from Anglia Ruskin University noted that although the weight reduction effects of Foundayo might be less pronounced compared to other treatments, patients should still experience “significant, clinically meaningful changes to their weight.” He further highlighted that the medication’s probable lower cost could address previous restrictions imposed by the NHS on weight-loss therapies.

Professor Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow echoed these positive sentiments, emphasizing the convenience of Foundayo. Unlike the Wegovy pill, which requires administration on an empty stomach, Foundayo can be taken at any time during the day. He remarked, “The arrival of another effective oral option is a positive development and should help more people access treatment that best suits their needs and preferences.” Additionally, experts believe that this new medication could assist individuals in maintaining weight loss after discontinuing GLP-1 injections, with clinical trials showing that those taking orforglipron daily for a year avoided regaining significant weight—a common challenge after stopping such injections. However, as with all medication, users may experience side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Patients using weight-loss drugs are also encouraged to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine

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