UAE becomes third country globally to approve Foundayo for type 2 diabetes
Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved a new therapeutic use for Foundayo (orforglipron), an oral medication developed by US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, to treat type 2 diabetes in adults, making the UAE the third country in the world to authorise the medicine for this purpose, according to the regulator. The approval expands the use of the drug, which was previously…
Abu Dhabi's Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has authorized the use of Foundayo (orforglipron) for treating type 2 diabetes in adults, making the UAE the third country globally to approve the drug, the regulator announced. Foundayo, an oral medication developed by Eli Lilly, was previously sanctioned by the EDE in April 2026 for chronic weight management, marking the country as the second nation to approve it for that purpose.
The drug is a non-peptide oral GLP-1 receptor agonist taken daily without restrictions on food or water. It assists in controlling blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes while promoting long-term weight management as part of a doctor-supervised treatment plan that includes dietary and physical activity recommendations.
The EDE's latest approval aligns with its goals of establishing a robust, efficient, and internationally recognized pharmaceutical regulatory system, aiming to broaden access to innovative treatments, offer patients more therapeutic alternatives, and enhance chronic disease management and prevention of complications. The regulator highlighted the significance of identifying risk factors for type 2 diabetes, undergoing regular screenings for early detection, and maintaining consistent medical follow-ups to manage the condition effectively.
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