New Weight-Loss Pill Gets Thumbs Up
A brand-new weight loss medication, named Foundayo, has recently obtained approval in the United States. This daily pill, manufactured by the same company that makes the popular weight-loss injection Zepbound, is designed to combat obesity.
What is Foundayo?
Foundayo is part of a group of drugs called GLP-1s, which includes other weight-loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs work by copying a hormone naturally produced by our bodies that helps control blood sugar, slow digestion, and tell our brain when we're full.
This marks the second time a GLP-1 pill has been approved for weight loss. The first, a pill form of Wegovy, was greenlighted a few months earlier. Unlike the Wegovy pill, which must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning, Foundayo can be taken at any time of the day, with no restrictions regarding food or drink.
Why are GLP-1 Pills Important?
With the high demand for injectable GLP-1 drugs, pharmaceutical companies have been competing to create pill versions of these medications. Pills are not only easier for patients to take, but they're also simpler to make than injectable drugs. This could help ensure a steady supply for patients, especially considering the severe shortage of GLP-1 medications from late 2022 through early 2025 due to high demand.
According to Ken Custer, executive vice president of the company that manufactures Foundayo, "Some patients are hesitant to take an injection, either because they're afraid of needles or because they believe it means their condition is worse than they think it is. For these individuals, starting their weight management journey with a pill might be a more comfortable option."
Effects of Foundayo
Just like injectable GLP-1s, Foundayo is started at a low dose which is then gradually increased to lessen potential side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In a clinical trial, participants who took the highest dose of Foundayo for 18 months lost an average of 27 pounds, or 12.4 percent of their body weight. On the other hand, those who took a placebo only lost an average of 2 pounds, or less than 1 percent of their body weight, over the same period. The company that manufactures Foundayo also produces an injectable medication named Mounjaro, which has been shown to help reduce weight by over 20 percent.
For comparison, participants in a study for the Wegovy pill lost an average of 13.6 percent of their body weight by 16 months. However, there have been no direct comparisons between the effectiveness of Foundayo and the Wegovy pill.
Additonal Uses and Availability
The company also conducted a study to see what happens when people switch from an injectable GLP-1 drug to Foundayo. The results showed that it helped most people maintain the majority of their weight loss. The active ingredient in Foundayo, orforglipron, is also being studied as a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, knee pain from osteoarthritis, and other conditions.
Foundayo is now available for purchase through the direct-to-consumer platform LillyDirect, with shipping starting soon. The pill will be available more broadly across US retail pharmacies and telehealth providers shortly after that. The pill was also included in a recent deal to be offered through the TrumpRx platform.