Foundayo (Orforglipron)
The first GLP-1 pill you can take any time of day, with or without food. FDA-approved April 2026, available in the US from $149/month. UK availability expected late 2026.
US status
FDA
Approved
Available now in US
Foundayo is approved in the US — UK approval pending
FDA-approved on April 1, 2026, Foundayo is available in the US from $149/month. The MHRA has not yet approved it for the UK. Eli Lilly has submitted for approval in 40+ countries and expects to launch shortly after each country's regulatory clearance.
Average weight loss
12.4%
Highest dose · 72 weeks
US price from
$149
Per month, lowest dose
FDA approved
50 days
Fastest since 2002
UK timeline
Late 2026
Estimated MHRA
What is Foundayo?
Orforglipron · once-daily oral tablet · manufactured by Eli Lilly
Foundayo is the brand name for orforglipron, a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. It received FDA approval on April 1, 2026, making it the first non-peptide small molecule GLP-1 pill approved for chronic weight management.
Unlike semaglutide-based pills (the Wegovy pill, Rybelsus), orforglipron is a small molecule — not a peptide — which fundamentally changes how it behaves. It absorbs well through the gut without any special requirements, meaning it can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, and with any amount of liquid. There are no fasting rules.
This makes Foundayo meaningfully different from the Wegovy pill, which requires an empty stomach, a 30-minute wait before eating, and strict water restrictions when taken. For many patients, Foundayo's flexibility will be a decisive practical advantage.
Being a small molecule also makes orforglipron easier and cheaper to manufacture at scale compared to peptide-based injectables or the Wegovy pill, which could support broader global access over time.
Key advantages of Foundayo
Any time, any food
Take at any time of day, with or without food, with any amount of liquid. No fasting or timing restrictions.
No injections
Once-daily oral tablet with no needles, no pens, no injection sites. Simpler than any injectable GLP-1.
Small molecule
Non-peptide structure means simpler manufacturing, better stability, and potential for lower global costs over time.
Affordable US entry price
Self-pay from $149/month at the lowest dose — significantly more accessible than branded injectable GLP-1s.
Clinical trial results
Phase 3 · 72 weeks · orforglipron at highest dose vs placebo
Primary endpoint — weight loss
12.4% average body weight reduction at the highest dose over 72 weeks (27.3 lbs / ~12.4 kg average)
Comparison to Wegovy pill
Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide) achieved 16.6% average weight loss in OASIS-4, but requires strict morning fasting. Foundayo is more flexible but slightly less potent.
Dose range tested
Multiple doses tested; the highest dose produced the 12.4% average result. Lower doses produced proportionally less weight loss.
Cardiometabolic markers
Significant improvements in blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profiles observed across trial participants.
Nausea (most common side effect)
GI side effects including nausea and vomiting were the most common. Profile broadly comparable to other GLP-1 medications, most pronounced during dose escalation.
Safety profile
No new unexpected safety signals. Adverse event profile consistent with the GLP-1 drug class overall.
Foundayo vs Wegovy pill — head-to-head comparison
Key difference: flexibility vs potency
Foundayo wins on convenience — take it any time, with any food. The Wegovy pill wins on average weight loss (16.6% vs 12.4%). The right choice depends on your lifestyle and priorities.
| Feature | Foundayo (orforglipron) | Wegovy Pill (oral semaglutide) |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Orforglipron | Semaglutide |
| Drug type | Small molecule (non-peptide) | Peptide |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| Timing | Any time of day | Morning only |
| Food restriction | None — take with or without food | Empty stomach required |
| Water restriction | None | Max 120ml plain water only |
| 30-min wait | No | Yes — before eating |
| Phase 3 weight loss | 12.4% (72 weeks) | 16.6% (OASIS-4, 68 weeks) |
| US price from | $149/month (self-pay) | $149–299/month (self-pay) |
| FDA approval | April 1, 2026 | May 2025 |
| UK status | MHRA pending — expected late 2026 | MHRA pending — expected late 2026 |
US pricing
Foundayo launched in the US on April 6, 2026 via LillyDirect. It is available at retail pharmacies and telehealth providers shortly after. Pricing is tiered by dose.
Lowest dose (self-pay)
Starting dose
$149/month
Highest dose (self-pay)
Maintenance dose
$299–$349/month
Commercial insurance
With eligible plan
~$25/month
Medicare Part D
From July 1, 2026
~$50/month
No UK pricing has been confirmed. Lilly has not announced prices for markets outside the US. Private UK pricing will depend on MHRA approval timing and provider positioning.
US & UK regulatory timeline
Phase 3 trials completed
2024–2025Comprehensive efficacy and safety data across multiple populations — 12.4% weight loss at highest dose
FDA submission (NDA)
Early 2026Eli Lilly submitted New Drug Application under the FDA's Continuous New Product Validation (CNPV) programme
FDA approval
April 1, 2026US FDA approved Foundayo (orforglipron) for chronic weight management — fastest approval since 2002
LillyDirect launch
April 6, 2026Direct-to-patient shipping via LillyDirect, starting at $149/month self-pay
Retail & telehealth access
April 2026Available via retail pharmacies and telehealth providers in the US
Medicare Part D coverage
July 1, 2026Medicare Part D coverage begins at approximately $50/month
MHRA submission & assessment
2026Lilly has submitted for approval in 40+ countries — UK MHRA assessment in progress
Expected UK MHRA approval
Late 2026No confirmed date. Private UK access most likely from late 2026 if approved
NICE assessment & NHS commissioning
2027+NHS access requires NICE technology appraisal following MHRA approval — typically 12–24 months
What's available in the UK right now?
Foundayo is not yet approved in the UK. These medications are available for weight management today.
Frequently asked questions
Medical disclaimer
Foundayo (orforglipron) has not yet received MHRA marketing authorisation in the UK and is not currently available to prescribe in the UK. This page provides general educational and informational content only, based on publicly available clinical trial data, FDA approval documentation, and Eli Lilly regulatory announcements. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a registered healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any prescription medication.
Quick reference
Brand name
Foundayo
Generic name
Orforglipron
Drug class
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Drug type
Small molecule (non-peptide)
Manufacturer
Eli Lilly
How taken
Once-daily oral tablet
Food restrictions
None
Phase 3 weight loss
12.4% (72 weeks)
FDA approval
April 1, 2026
US price from
$149/month
Medicare Part D
From July 1, 2026
UK MHRA status
Under assessment
Expected UK date
Late 2026 (estimated)
Weight loss
12.4%
Highest dose · 72 wks
US price from
$149
Self-pay per month
Approved in
50 days
Fastest since 2002
UK launch
2026
Estimated MHRA
Compare other medications
About this page
Written and reviewed by the GLP-1 Compare editorial team. Clinical data based on Eli Lilly phase 3 trial publications, FDA approval documentation (April 1, 2026), and Eli Lilly regulatory announcements. US pricing sourced from LillyDirect launch materials. Last reviewed April 2026.