Foundayo launched in the UK
Foundayo (orforglipron)
Foundayo has launched in the UK and is one of the weight management options considered as part of our online Doctor consultations. Here’s a brief guide to the weight-loss treatment*.
A tablet GLP-1 based weight management medicine, Foundayo, is now available for eligible patients in the UK. Here’s what Foundayo is, who it’s for, and why expert clinical oversight matters more than ever as choice expands.
What is Foundayo?
Foundayo (orforglipron) is a new once-daily tablet for weight management, developed by Eli Lilly. It was authorised by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on 10 August 2026 for weight management and type 2 diabetes. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist – the same class of medicine behind injectable treatments like Mounjaro – but taken as a pill rather than a weekly injection.
Foundayo works by reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and helping to regulate food intake. For people with type 2 diabetes, it also reduces blood sugar levels when they are elevated. When used for weight management it can support weight loss as part of a broader, clinically guided plan.
Unlike some other oral GLP-1 treatments, Foundayo’s active ingredient is stable in stomach acid. This means it doesn’t require any fasting or water restrictions and can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. It should be swallowed whole and not broken, crushed or chewed.
Who might be eligible for Foundayo?
Foundayo is a prescription-only medicine. As a general guide, adults may be considered eligible if they have:
A BMI of 30 or above, or
A BMI of 27 to 30 with at least one weight-related health condition, such as prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnoea
BMI thresholds are a starting point for a conversation about eligibility, which can only be confirmed following a full clinical consultation.
What’s the difference between Wegovy tablets and Foundayo tablets?
| Foundayo tablets | Wegovy tablets | |
|---|---|---|
| First month cost | From £99.99 (dose-dependent) | From £99.99 (dose-dependent) |
| Clinical trial results | Up to 12.4%* weight loss | Up to 16.6%* weight loss |
| Active ingredient | Orforglipron | Semaglutide |
| Dose frequency | Once daily | Once daily |
| Dose flexibility | Increase, decrease, or maintain monthly | Increase, decrease, or maintain monthly |
| Also licensed for | Type 2 diabetes | Weight loss only |
More choice, but the same clinical standards
Dr Kieran Seyan, Pharmacy2U’s Chief Medical Officer, explains what this expansion of choice means for patients.
“We’re seeing a rapid expansion of choice in prescribed weight management medication as oral treatments join the injectable options that have been the predominant treatment on the market over the past few years,” he says. “For some patients, more needle-free options could remove a psychological barrier to seeking treatment.
“Whatever form they take, it’s crucial people understand these medicines are prescription-only for good reason. Anyone considering them needs to have a thorough consultation with a qualified clinician who can assess their medical history, risk factors, and treatment goals to determine whether treatment is appropriate and, if so, which option may be most suitable.
“Prescription weight management medications should be prescribed with appropriate clinical oversight, follow-up, and review. These medications work best alongside dietary, physical activity and behavioural support. Medication should be viewed as one part of a broader weight management approach rather than a replacement for it.”
Is Foundayo available on the NHS?
Not yet. Foundayo is currently available through private prescription only. Wider NHS availability will depend on a separate assessment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which typically takes longer than the private-market authorisation process. Eli Lilly has said it is working with NICE as that assessment continues.
What to expect if you’re considering Foundayo
A responsible prescribing process should always include:
A full clinical consultation covering your medical history, current medications, and any risk factors
An honest conversation about suitability – not every weight-management medicine is right for every patient, and a good clinician will tell you if it isn’t right for you
Ongoing monitoring, not just a one-off prescription
Support beyond the medication itself. This can include dietary guidance, physical activity, and behavioural support alongside treatment
How to spot an unsafe or unregulated seller
With growing demand for weight-management medicines has come a rise in counterfeit and unlicensed products. Before buying any prescription weight-loss treatment online, check that:
The pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) – you can check this on the GPhC’s register.
You’re asked detailed questions about your medical history before any prescription is issuedA prescription is genuinely required – if a site will sell you weight
Management medication without one, walk away
The price looks realistic – heavily discounted prices are a common red flag for counterfeit or unlicensed products
Where can I find more information about switching?
Here is our guide to switching weight loss treatments.
*This article is for general information and does not constitute medical advice. Whether Foundayo or any other weight-management medication is suitable for you can only be determined following a consultation with a qualified clinician.