New weight loss pill approved for use in UK

A daily weight-loss pill called Foundayo, developed by Eli Lilly, has been approved for use in the UK, marking the first country in Europe to authorize it. The drug, which is used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, will be available for purchase privately with a prescription. However, its inclusion on the NHS is not guaranteed.

Foundayo, a type of GLP-1 medication, helps suppress appetite. This approval comes after the MHRA approved a pill version of a similar weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in June. Eli Lilly intends to seek approval for NHS recommendation of Foundayo for weight loss treatment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England.

Dr. Simon Cork from Anglia Ruskin University notes that while Foundayo's weight-loss benefits are less than other treatments, patients may still see significant, clinically meaningful changes in their weight. A key advantage of Foundayo is its likely affordability compared to other weight-loss treatments, which have been restricted by the NHS.

Prof Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow also views this as good news, emphasizing its convenience as it can be taken at any time of the day unlike Wegovy, which requires consumption on an empty stomach. The arrival of another effective oral option is expected to help more people access treatment that best suits their needs and preferences.

Trials have shown that patients who used weight loss jabs and then received Foundayo daily for a year were able to avoid regaining much of the weight they lost, addressing a known risk when discontinuing GLP-1 injections. However, as with any medication, side effects of Foundayo include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting.