For years, weight-loss injections have dominated the headlines. But a new once-daily tablet could be about to change the game.
If you’ve been following the world of weight management, you’ll know that injectable GLP-1 treatments have transformed how we think about obesity medicine. Now Eli Lilly, a major pharmaceutical company, is preparing to bring something different to the UK. A daily pill that works in a similar way, but without the need for injections.
The pill in question is Foundayo (Orforglipron), and here is everything we know so far.
(Foundayo is the current US name for the medication, which we will use during this blog)
What Is Foundayo?
Foundayo is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, a tablet taken once a day that mimics a natural hormone involved in appetite, digestion and blood sugar control.
What makes Foundayo stand out from other treatments in this category is that it is a small-molecule medicine. This means it can be absorbed effectively in tablet form, without the dietary restrictions that some other oral weight-loss tablets require.
Foundayo has already been approved in the United States following large-scale clinical trials, and is expected to become available in the UK towards the end of August 2026, pending authorisation from the MHRA.
How Does It Work?
Like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, Foundayo works by activating receptors that play a key role in how your body manages hunger and food intake.
In practical terms, this means it can help to:
- Reduce appetite and feelings of hunger
- Increase feelings of fullness after eating
- Support blood glucose regulation
- Promote weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity
What Did the Clinical Trials Show?
The main Phase 3 clinical trial followed participants over 72 weeks, combining Foundayo with healthy eating and increased physical activity.
The results at the highest dose were notable:
- Participants lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight
- Nearly 60% lost at least 10% of their starting weight
- Almost 40% lost at least 15% of their starting weight
These are averages from a controlled clinical trial. Individual results will vary. The treatment was used alongside dietary and lifestyle changes.
Is Foundayo the Same as the Weekly Injection Treatments Already Available?
No, and this is an important distinction.
The weekly injection treatments currently available in the UK work differently. Some target a single receptor (GLP-1), while others target two receptors simultaneously (GLP-1 and GIP). They are also administered as injections, typically once a week.
Foundayo is different:
- It is taken once daily as a tablet
- It targets the GLP-1 receptor only
- It contains a completely different active ingredient to any existing injection treatment
- It can be taken at any time of day, with no food or water restrictions (based on US guidance, UK instructions are yet to be confirmed)
What Are the Side Effects?
As with other GLP-1 treatments, gastrointestinal side effects were the most commonly reported in Foundayo clinical trials. These included:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Indigestion
- Reduced appetite
Not everyone will experience these, and they are often temporary, particularly during the early stages of treatment. Full UK prescribing information will only be available once Foundayo receives MHRA authorisation.
Who Might Foundayo Be Suitable For?
While it is too early to confirm full eligibility criteria for the UK, Foundayo could be a strong option for people who:
- Prefer tablets over injections
- Have struggled with the administration of weekly injectable treatments
- Are looking for a convenient, once-daily routine
- Want an evidence-based medical approach to weight management
As always, any prescription medicine for weight loss should be used as part of a broader plan that includes dietary changes and increased physical activity.
When Will Foundayo Be Available in the UK?
The current expected timeline is late August 2026, subject to MHRA approval and licensing decisions.
We will be publishing updates as soon as new information becomes available, including pricing, eligibility criteria and how to access Foundayo once it launches.
Find Out More About Foundayo
Foundayo is not yet available in the UK, but we will be sharing updates as soon as new information is confirmed, including pricing, eligibility and how to access it once it launches.
Register your interest on our Foundayo page to be the first to hear when it becomes available in the UK.
Want a Daily Weight-Loss Tablet Right Now?
If the idea of a once-daily tablet appeals to you but you do not want to wait until 2026, there is already an option available through e-surgery today.
We currently offer the Wegovy tablet, a daily oral GLP-1 treatment that is fully licensed and available to prescribe in the UK. Like Foundayo, it is taken once a day and works by activating GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite and support weight loss. In clinical trials, participants lost an average of up to 14% of their body weight over 64 weeks alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The Wegovy tablet is a good option for people who:
- Want to start a medically supported weight-loss programme now
- Prefer a tablet to a weekly injection
- Are looking for a treatment that fits easily into a daily routine
- Do not want to wait for Foundayo to become available in the UK
You can find out more about the Wegovy tablet and start your online assessment through e-surgery today.
What Other Treatments Are Available Right Now?
If you are looking to start a medically supported weight-loss programme today, there are several evidence-based options available through e-surgery, including weekly injectable GLP-1 treatments for those who want a different approach.
Use our free Ask-a-pharmacist service to find out which option might be right for you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
