Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 treatment aims to improve accessibility and reduce obesity
Category: Health
A new daily pill that aids in weight loss and manages type 2 diabetes is now available in pharmacies across the UK. Foundayo, manufactured by Eli Lilly, officially launched on August 24, 2026, after receiving authorization from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This marks a notable advancement in obesity treatment, as the UK becomes the first country in Europe to approve this oral GLP-1 medication.
Foundayo is licensed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who also have at least one weight-related health condition. It can also be used to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes who are not adequately managed on existing treatments. This oral medication offers a more accessible alternative to injectable GLP-1 treatments, which require needles and specific conditions for administration.
This new oral treatment is particularly important for individuals who are unable or unwilling to use injectable medications. As Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, noted, "This is another important day with a second weight loss pill available from today in certain pharmacies. This is particularly important for patients who cannot or do not want to take an injectable medicine and could make weight loss treatment available to a wider range of patients."
In clinical trials, Foundayo demonstrated promising results, with participants experiencing an average weight loss of approximately 27 pounds when using the highest dosage, according to data from Lilly's ATTAIN-1 trial. The medication begins at a dosage of 0.8mg and can be increased to 17.2mg over time, with patients spending a minimum of one month at each dosage level.
Unlike its injectable counterparts, Foundayo requires no refrigeration and has no timing restrictions around meals, making it easier for patients to incorporate into their daily routines. This flexibility is expected to encourage more individuals to seek treatment for obesity and related conditions.
As with any new pharmaceutical product, there are concerns about counterfeit versions of Foundayo. Pharmacy leaders have warned that oral medications are easier to replicate than injectables, increasing the risk of patients encountering fake or unlicensed pills. They urge patients to only obtain weight loss treatments through safe and regulated pharmacies.
“Patients must make sure they only access weight loss treatments through safe and regulated pharmacies,” Gregg emphasized. “There must now be a redoubling of efforts within Government and the NHS to use pharmacies to make sure more eligible patients in clinical need can get weight loss treatments on the NHS.”
Eli Lilly is currently collaborating with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to assess Foundayo for potential rollout within the NHS in England. A decision from NICE is expected in November 2026, which will determine whether the medication will be available through the health service or remain a private-pay option.
As of now, no specific price for Foundayo has been confirmed in the UK, leaving patients eager for clarity on how they can access this new treatment. The anticipated NICE assessment will play a key role in shaping the future availability of Foundayo, especially as the UK navigates its healthcare system's response to the rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
In the meantime, brokers in the life and health insurance sectors are advised to prepare for the implications of Foundayo's launch. The introduction of an oral GLP-1 treatment changes the dynamics of how weight-loss medications are disclosed and managed in insurance applications. Unlike injectable treatments, which create a verifiable record, the oral format of Foundayo may lead to gaps in disclosure from patients, complicating risk assessments for insurers.
The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries highlighted in a recent working paper that non-disclosure of weight-loss medication use poses an underpriced risk in life and protection underwriting. Brokers must be vigilant in updating their medical underwriting processes to include inquiries about GLP-1 use, ensuring accurate risk assessments that account for the weight fluctuations associated with treatment.
As the healthcare community adapts to the introduction of Foundayo, both patients and healthcare providers must remain informed about the benefits and potential risks associated with this new treatment. The focus will be on ensuring safe access to Foundayo and maximizing its potential to improve health outcomes for those struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Foundayo's launch is a promising step toward addressing obesity and diabetes in the UK, providing a new tool for healthcare providers and patients alike. As the NHS evaluates its integration into public health services, the focus will remain on ensuring safe access and effective treatment for all eligible patients.