Eli Lilly on Monday (24) launched its oral pill, Foundayo, in the UK for weight management and type 2 diabetes, making it the first country in Europe where the treatment is available.
The pill, known chemically as orforglipron, will be available via private prescription after Britain's medicines regulator authorised the drug on August 10, making it the second GLP-1 oral pill to be cleared in the UK after Novo Nordisk's Wegovy.
Lilly said it was working with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), on a potential roll-out at the National Health Service.
The US major said Foundayo will be priced between £100 and £120, lower than its Mounjaro injection's £330 for a month's supply.
More needle-free options
Dr Kieran Seyan, Chief Medical Officer at Pharmacy2U, said: “We're seeing a rapid expansion of choice in prescribed weight management medication as oral treatments join the injectable options that have been the predominant treatment on the market over the past few years.
“Seven weeks after the first pill, we now have a second and, for some patients, more needle-free options could remove a psychological barrier to seeking treatment.
“Whatever form they take, it’s crucial people understand these medicines are prescription-only for good reason. Anyone considering them needs to have a thorough consultation with a qualified clinician who can assess their medical history, risk factors, and treatment goals to determine whether treatment is appropriate and, if so, which option may be most suitable.
“Prescription weight management medications should be prescribed with appropriate clinical oversight, follow-up, and review. These medications work best alongside dietary, physical activity and behavioural support. Medication should be viewed as one part of a broader weight management approach rather than a replacement for it.
“Always check any pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and if a website is offering these medications without asking about your medical history, requiring a prescription – or at a price that seems too good to be true – do not buy them.”
Dr Neelam Bains, GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, said: “The arrival of another weight-management medication will help further shift the UK conversation on obesity.
“Many patients tell us they’ve spent years feeling their weight was something they should be able to solve alone. The growing range of prescription-only treatment options reflects the recognition of obesity as a chronic medical condition.
“For some, medication can make long-term weight management feel more achievable when used alongside nutrition and lifestyle changes. Any treatment should be considered following an appropriate clinical assessment to ensure it is suitable for the individual and can support weight-management goals.
“What’s most important is that patients feel informed and supported, not just handed a prescription. Confidence comes from feeling in control of your own health journey. That means having access to support and ongoing clinical guidance, not just access to medication.”
