A new daily weight-loss pill, Foundayo, manufactured by Eli Lilly, has been approved for use in the UK. This marks the UK as the first country in Europe to approve the medication, which is intended for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
While individuals can purchase Foundayo privately with a prescription, its approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not guarantee its availability on the NHS. Eli Lilly has stated it will apply to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England for Foundayo to be recommended as a weight-loss treatment, though it can immediately be used by the NHS for type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Simon Cork from Anglia Ruskin University noted that while Foundayo's weight-loss benefits may be less than other treatments, patients could still experience "significant, clinically meaningful changes to their weight." He also suggested it is likely to be more affordable than other weight-loss treatments, which have often faced tight NHS restrictions. Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow highlighted its convenience, as it does not require an empty stomach, unlike the Wegovy pill.
Experts believe Foundayo could assist individuals transitioning from weight-loss injections in maintaining their weight. Trials indicated that patients taking the tablet daily for a year avoided regaining a significant amount of lost weight, a known risk after stopping GLP-1 injections. Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting.