Foundayo: UK approves Eli Lilly pill to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes

A new treatment option for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes has been approved in the United Kingdom. This is Foundayo, a medicine developed by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, which stands out for being a daily pill for oral use. The authorization granted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), a British regulatory agency, was released on August 11, 2026.

Understand how Foundayo works in the body for weight loss

Foundayo contains orforglipron as an active ingredient and belongs to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists. This category of medications is known to mimic the action of a hormone naturally produced by the body after meals. It acts directly on regions of the brain responsible for controlling appetite, helping to increase the feeling of satiety, reduce hunger and reduce the desire to eat.

On the same topic: New studies reveal how fructose and the simple smell of food multiply the risk of obesity

Advantages of oral administration over existing injectables

Foundayo’s main innovation is its oral administration method, in contrast to most GLP-1 agonist medications already established on the market, such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), which are applied by subcutaneous injections. This feature solves the challenge of refrigerator storage and the discomfort of applications for more sensitive patients.

Foundayo also differentiates itself by having a different molecule compared to other medicines that mimic the same hormone. Recent studies indicate that its use can promote weight loss of up to 15% over a period of 36 weeks. The pill is taken once a day and does not require fasting before consumption, making it easier to incorporate into patients’ routines.

Cost-benefit potential and the need for medical prescription

There are expectations that Foundayo may have a more affordable price on the market, being estimated to be around seven times cheaper than Mounjaro, one of its injectable competitors. This difference in cost can expand access to treatment for a greater number of people. However, the medicine can only be sold with medical advice and prescription, both in the United States and the United Kingdom.

• Format:Daily tablet for oral use.
• Active ingredient:Orforglipron.
• Class:GLP-1 receptor agonist.
• Action:Increases satiety and decreases appetite.
• Weight Loss:Up to 15% in 36 weeks.
• Advantages:No fasting required, no need for refrigeration and potentially lower cost.

No expected arrival date in Brazil for the new drug

Although Foundayo is already approved in the United States and now in the United Kingdom, becoming the first country in Europe to grant this authorization, there is still no detailed information about its price on the British market. For Brazil, there is also no official forecast of when the medicine will be available to patients. Approval in other countries is an important step, but arrival on national territory depends on new regulatory and commercial processes.