Daily Diabetes and Weight Loss Pill Foundayo Now Available in UK Pharmacies

A new daily pill that treats diabetes and aids weight loss has become available in UK pharmacies starting Monday.

While pharmacists welcomed the development for patients unable to use weight-loss injections, they also cautioned against the rising issue of fake, unlicensed, or counterfeit versions of GLP-1 medications.

Orforglipron, marketed as Foundayo and developed by US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, received authorization from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) earlier this month. The UK is the first European country to approve this medication, following its approval of another weight-loss pill in June.

“The UK is the first European country where Foundayo is now available,” said Khalil Asmar, vice-president of cardiometabolic health at Eli Lilly Northern Europe. “We are pleased this provides another oral treatment option for eligible UK patients alongside licensed injectable treatments.”

The medication will initially be accessible through private prescriptions, with Eli Lilly stating it is collaborating with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) regarding potential inclusion in the National Health Service in England.

The drug is approved for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who also have at least one weight-related condition. It can also be prescribed to improve blood sugar control in patients with poorly managed type 2 diabetes. The once-daily pill can be taken at any time without food or water restrictions.

Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, stated: “This marks another significant milestone with a second weight-loss pill now available in certain pharmacies. This is particularly important for patients who cannot or prefer not to take injectable medications, potentially expanding access to weight-loss treatments for more individuals.”

However, concerns persist regarding the distribution of fake, unlicensed, or counterfeit drugs, which may be more easily manufactured in pill form than injectables. In the previous year, the MHRA seized £250,000 worth of unlicensed weight-loss products and ingredients from a Northampton facility, while Eli Lilly pursues legal action against suppliers accused of participating in an illegal underground market for its medications.

Patients are encouraged to obtain weight-loss treatments exclusively through safe and regulated pharmacies.

Gregg emphasized: “There must be renewed efforts by government and the NHS to utilize pharmacies to ensure more eligible patients in clinical need can access weight-loss treatments through the NHS, rather than the current postcode lottery affecting weight management services via GPs.”

The MHRA approved the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss, a tablet version of Wegovy, in June.

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