FDA Approves New GLP-1 Weight-Loss Pill from Eli Lilly

**Eli Lilly Launches Foundayo, a New Oral Weight Loss Pill**

Eli Lilly and Company has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its new weight loss medication, Foundayo, which is a once-daily oral GLP-1 pill. This new treatment is designed to assist individuals struggling with obesity and weight-related health issues. The pricing for Foundayo varies significantly, with monthly costs ranging from as low as £20 to £280, depending on insurance coverage and dosage.

The announcement was made on April 1, 2024, during a press release from Eli Lilly. This marks the introduction of the second GLP-1 medication in pill form to be approved in recent months. Foundayo, also known by its scientific name Orforglipron, will soon be available through the company’s LillyDirect service, which will start accepting prescriptions as of April 6, 2024.

Eli Lilly indicates that Foundayo will be offered in six different dosages. Initially, patients will usually commence their treatment with the lowest dose to mitigate potential side effects. Notably, Foundayo allows flexibility in usage as it can be taken at any time of the day without the constraints of meal timings. This distinguishes it from Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, which must be consumed on an empty stomach.

As with any medication, Foundayo does come with its share of side effects. According to the manufacturer, common reactions may include nausea, constipation, indigestion, and fatigue, among others. Patients have been advised of these potential effects as they consider the options available to them.

For those paying out of pocket, the lowest dose of Foundayo will cost approximately £120 per month. However, higher doses could escalate to about £280 monthly. Eli Lilly has stated that for individuals with commercial insurance, costs might start as low as £20 per month, though the precise coverage details from private insurers remain uncertain at this point. Medicare is anticipated to possibly incorporate Foundayo into its coverage, beginning in the summer of 2026, with copayments expected to start at around £40 per month.

David A. Ricks, the chair and CEO of Eli Lilly, expressed optimism regarding the potential of Foundayo to make treatment more accessible for those who are overweight or living with obesity-related complications. He noted that fewer than 10% of individuals who could benefit from a GLP-1 medication are currently utilising one, often due to issues related to access, societal stigma, or the perception that their condition may not warrant medical intervention.

Ricks highlighted Foundayo’s role in ‘leveling the playing field’ for those affected by obesity. He described it as a “convenient, once-daily oral pill that delivers meaningful weight loss,” positioning it as a practical solution for real-world obesity care needs.

In addition to Foundayo, Eli Lilly is also developing another GLP-1 drug called Retatrutide, which clinical trials have indicated may lead to even greater weight loss than currently available treatments. Ricks acknowledged this as “a big moment” for the company, given their longstanding involvement in the GLP-1 medication sector, which began 20 years ago. He emphasized that while Foundayo may not be the most effective drug available, it is undoubtedly more accessible and easier to incorporate into daily routines.

Ricks further acknowledged that some patients’ experiences with injection-based treatments, such as Zepbound, have yielded significant weight loss. However, he maintained that oral medications still hold value for those seeking less invasive alternatives to weekly injections, which require careful handling and refrigeration.

As Eli Lilly prepares for the rollout of Foundayo, the company remains committed to advancing treatment options for obesity, reflecting an ongoing effort to enhance patient care in this crucial area of healthcare. With its dedicated approach, Eli Lilly hopes to encourage more patients to seek the help they may need in managing obesity and its associated health challenges.