New Once-Daily Oral Weight Loss Pill Now Available in UK Pharmacies
Starting August 24, 2026, a new once-daily oral tablet — Orforglipron (brand name Foundayo) — is now available in pharmacies across the UK. Developed by American pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, this medication treats both type 2 diabetes and aids weight loss. The UK is the first country in Europe to approve this drug.
Who Is Eligible for This Medication?
According to the authorization from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Foundayo is licensed for:
- People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above
- People with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have at least one weight-related condition
- Patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, to improve blood sugar levels
How to Take It and Dosage Adjustment
The biggest advantage of this medication is its convenience: it only needs to be taken once a day, at any time, with no food or water restrictions. The starting dose is 0.8mg, gradually increasing to 2.5mg, 5.5mg, 9mg, 14.5mg, and 17.2mg. Patients spend a minimum of one month at each dosage level to allow the body to adapt gradually.
Expert Views: Significant for Patients Who Cannot Use Injections
Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, described this as another significant milestone following injectable weight loss medications. He emphasized: "This is particularly significant for patients who cannot or do not want to take an injectable medicine — it could make weight loss treatment available to a wider range of patients."
Gregg also issued a warning: "It is easier for criminals to provide fake, unlicensed or counterfeit versions of oral medications than injectables. Patients must make sure they only access weight loss treatments through safe and regulated pharmacies."
Looking Ahead: NHS Assessment Underway
Eli Lilly has confirmed it is working with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on the assessment of Foundayo for a potential rollout on the NHS in England. Currently, weight management services across the UK still vary by region, and experts are calling on the Government and NHS to intensify efforts so more eligible patients in clinical need can access weight loss treatments through the NHS.
Notably, in June 2026, the MHRA had already approved the first GLP-1 oral weight loss pill (a tablet form of Wegovy). The launch of Foundayo further expands the options for oral weight loss medications.
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