UK okays new once-daily weight-loss pill

The UK has approved a new once-daily weight-loss pill developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, becoming the first European country to authorize the medicine, 24NewsHD TV reported.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved orforglipron, which will be marketed under the brand name Foundayo, for weight management.

The drug is also approved in the UK for helping control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

Orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps reduce appetite, slow the movement of food through the digestive system and improve blood sugar control.

The medicine is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

It is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, as well as those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have at least one weight-related health problem.

One of the main advantages of Foundayo is that it is taken once a day and can be taken at any time, without specific restrictions on food or water.

 This could make it a convenient option for people who prefer tablets over injections.

Foundayo is currently available in the UK through private prescriptions, while its potential availability through the National Health Service will depend on further cost-effectiveness assessment.