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New diabetes weight loss pill launches in UK
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Eli Lilly launched Foundayo, a daily diabetes and weight-loss pill, in UK pharmacies Monday.
It's the first oral GLP-1 in Europe, offering an alternative to injections.
Background
Foundayo (orforglipron) is a once-daily pill for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, approved by the MHRA on August 10. It is the second GLP-1 pill available in the UK after Wegovy, but the first in Europe. The drug is initially available via private prescription, with Eli Lilly working with NICE for potential NHS rollout.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026MHRA approved the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss, a tablet form of Wegovy.
- Aug 10, 2026MHRA authorised Foundayo (orforglipron) for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
- Aug 23, 2026Eli Lilly announced the launch of Foundayo in UK pharmacies from Monday.
- Aug 24, 2026Foundayo became available in UK pharmacies via private prescription.
Who’s saying what
- Pharmacists
- Henry Gregg of the National Pharmacy Association called it 'another significant day' and highlighted its importance for patients who cannot or do not want injections.
- Caution
- Pharmacists warned about the growing problem of fake, unlicensed or counterfeit GLP-1 tablets, urging patients to use regulated pharmacies.
- Official
- Khalil Asmar of Eli Lilly said the UK is the first country in Europe where Foundayo is available, providing another oral treatment option.
Still unverified
Eli Lilly is suing various suppliers it accuses of participating in an illegal hidden market for its drugs; details of the lawsuit are not fully disclosed.