UK regulator clears new oral weight-loss drug from Eli Lilly

Britain's medicines regulator has given the green light

Britain's medicines regulator has given the green light to a novel tablet designed to tackle obesity, marking the latest step in the country's expanding arsenal of anti-obesity treatments. The drug, named Foundayo, is produced by Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical giant already known for its blockbuster injection Mounjaro.

The approval, announced on Friday, allows the once-daily pill to be prescribed on the National Health Service and in private clinics. Unlike injectable therapies that dominate the current market, Foundayo offers an oral alternative, which experts say could improve adherence among patients who are uncomfortable with needles or struggle with self-administered shots.

Clinical trials submitted to the regulator showed that the medication helped patients achieve significant weight loss over a 12-month period, with most participants shedding at least 15% of their body weight when combined with diet and lifestyle changes. The most common side effects reported were gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and diarrhea, which generally subsided within the first few weeks of treatment.

Eli Lilly said it expects to begin supplying

Eli Lilly said it expects to begin supplying Foundayo to the UK market within the next two months, though initial availability will be limited to specialist weight-management services. The company also plans to seek approval for the drug in other European countries later this year, as demand for effective obesity treatments continues to surge worldwide.

Public health officials welcomed the move but cautioned that no pill replaces the need for healthy eating and regular physical activity. They also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of obesity, such as socioeconomic factors and food environments, rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions.