The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has greenlit Foundayo<\/b>, a new weight-loss medication developed by Eli Lilly. As a once-daily pill, it is among the first of its kind on the market and serves as an effective alternative to injections.<\/p>\n
Foundayo (also known as orforglipron<\/b>) belongs to the GLP-1 class of drugs. It mimics a natural hormone that regulates appetite and the feeling of fullness. Notably, this is the second oral weight-loss medication to hit the market, following Novo Nordisk\u2019s Wegovy tablets.<\/p>\n
According to the company\u2019s CEO, David Ricks, the new drug will help overcome issues related to stigma and accessibility. Until now, some patients avoided treatment due to the discomfort of injections, high costs, or strict dosing regimens.<\/p>\n
Its main advantage is ease of use. Unlike Wegovy tablets, which must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, Foundayo can be taken at any time of day, regardless of food intake. To prevent side effects, patients will begin treatment with low doses and increase them gradually.<\/p>\n
Without insurance, the cost for the starting dose will be approximately $149 per month<\/b>, while higher doses will increase to $349<\/b>. It is expected that for certain categories of patients, medical insurance will cover part of the costs, reducing the monthly payment to as low as $50<\/b>.<\/p>\n
Sales of the drug will begin on Monday. It will initially be available through the LillyDirect<\/b> service, and subsequently in pharmacies and via telemedicine platforms. With this move, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are further intensifying their competition in the growing weight-loss market.<\/p>\n