UK Approves Eli Lilly’s Once-Daily Weight-Loss Pill

LONDON: (News Desk) – The United Kingdom has approved a new once-daily weight-loss pill developed by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, becoming the first European country to authorize the medicine.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved orforglipron, which will be marketed in the UK under the brand name Foundayo, for weight management. The medicine has also been approved to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Orforglipron belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. It works by reducing appetite, slowing the movement of food through the digestive system and helping improve blood sugar control.

The medicine is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, as well as those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have at least one weight-related health condition.

A key feature of Foundayo is its once-daily tablet format, which can be taken at any time without specific restrictions on food or water. This could make it an attractive alternative for people who prefer oral medication over injectable treatments.

Foundayo is currently available in the UK through private prescriptions. Its potential availability through the National Health Service (NHS) will depend on a further assessment of its cost-effectiveness.