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Confidential & DiscreetLast Updated: 25/08/2026
Authored: 04/05/2026
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Pharmacist Independent Prescriber & Medical Writer
Foundayo
Medication features
- Once daily tablet
- First non-peptide GLP-1 approved for weight loss - around 79% of each dose is absorbed
- Lose an average of around 11% body weight after 72 weeks
Overview
Foundayo Weight Loss Tablet
Foundayo is a once-daily weight loss tablet, taken with or without food. Timing does not matter. No injections. Now available in the UK as of 24 August 2026.
Foundayo Summary
| Active Ingredient | Orforglipron |
| Format | Once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly |
| Price | From £59 with Subscribe & Save |
| Availability | Was approved by MHRA on 10/08/26, now available to order |
| Strengths | 0.8mg, 2.5mg, 5.5mg, 9mg, 14.5mg, 17.2mg |
| Review | Our clinicians will review suitability and your progress - adjusting your dose as needed |
| Support | Our clinician team is available to guide you throughout your weight loss journey |
| More detail | Please read the Foundayo Patient Information Leaflet before stasrting treatment |
| Monitoring | We recommend regular check-ins with our clinical team throughout your treatment |
What is Foundayo?
Foundayo (orforglipron) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly, the same company behind Mounjaro. Most GLP-1 weight loss medications are injections. Foundayo is the first weight loss tablet of its kind. You can take it at any time of day, with or without food.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Foundayo on August 10th 2026, and it is now available in the UK.
Who is Foundayo for?
Foundayo is prescribed in the US to adults with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition. That means a BMI above 30, or above 27 with a condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovaries (PCOS), or sleep apnoea.
In the UK, NHS eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss treatments is set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It typically requires a higher BMI threshold. Until NICE reviews Foundayo, UK eligibility criteria are not confirmed. Private prescribers may apply different criteria to assess whether you are suitable for support with losing weight.
How does Foundayo work?
Foundayo mimics GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a gut hormone released after you eat. It dials down hunger and cravings, and slows how quickly your stomach empties. Food sits in the stomach longer, so you feel full sooner and for longer. And it helps steady your blood sugar levels when they rise after eating, by triggering the release of insulin.
Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda already target this pathway. They support weight loss by helping you to eat less. The difference is that Foundayo is a daily pill, not an injection.
How Foundayo works on appetite varies between individuals. Most people report reduced appetite and fewer cravings. This tends to develop gradually rather than appearing straight away. You should combine Foundayo with a healthy, balanced diet and increased physical activity for the best results.
How does the Foundayo pill compare to the Wegovy pill?
Both Foundayo and Wegovy tablets are daily oral GLP-1 weight loss treatments. The main difference between Foundayo vs Wegovy pill is when and how you take them.
The Challenges of Peptide-Based Medications
Until Foundayo, all GLP-1 medicines have been peptides (small proteins). Peptides break down in the stomach. Oral Wegovy uses an absorption enhancer called SNAC to protect the drug from stomach acid. But it requires strict fasting rules to work. An empty stomach, no more than 120mL water and at least 30 minutes before food, drink or taking other medication. Some patients manage this without issue. Others do not.
Why does the Foundayo pill offer more flexibility?
Foundayo is the first non-peptide GLP-1 treatment to receive approval for weight loss. It works differently. No absorption enhancer needed and no fasting rules. Foundayo is a small molecule that the gut can absorb directly.
Even with SNAC and strict fasting rules, the body only absorbs around 1% of each oral Wegovy dose. The rest is lost. Foundayo's smaller structure means the body absorbs around 79% of each dose, which is why it works without fasting or a chemical enhancer.
How effective is Foundayo for weight loss?
In the ATTAIN-1 trial, adults with obesity or overweight took Foundayo for 72 weeks. More than 3,100 adults, without diabetes, took part across nine countries.
Foundayo weight loss results varied by dose:
| Dose | Average body weight loss | Approximate weight lost |
| Foundayo 17.2mg | 11.1% | 11.4 kg (25 lbs) |
| Foundayo 9mg | 8.3% | 8.5 kg (19 lbs) |
| Foundayo 5.5mg | 7.4% | 7.6 kg (17 lbs) |
| Placebo | 2.1% | 2.2 kg (5 lbs) |
These figures include everyone who started the trial, whether they completed it or not. Average weight loss rose to 12.4% in people who stayed on the highest dose for the full 72 weeks. Almost half lost at least 10% of their starting body weight on the highest dose. The trial also saw reductions in waist size, cholesterol, blood fats, and blood pressure.
The separate ACHIEVE-4 clinical trial confirmed these improvements. It studied Foundayo in adults with type 2 diabetes, at higher risk of heart disease. It also found reductions in inflammation levels. Results will differ from person to person.
Foundayo compare Oral Wegovy weight loss results
Foundayo 36mg led to an average weight loss of 11.1% over 72 weeks in the ATTAIN-1 trial. In the OASIS 4 trial of oral Wegovy, average weight loss over 64 weeks was around 14%. Both oral treatments produce meaningful weight loss. The difference is convenience: Foundayo does not require fasting or timed dosing.
Although 36mg was the highest dose in the clinical trials, Lilly has confirmed that a 17.2mg dose is bioequivalent to the 36mg dose. This means that results for 17.2mg and 36mg should be very similar.
Foundayo dosage schedule
Foundayo Dose Escalation Schedule
Stepwise dosing table
| Step | Dose | Timing / guidance |
| Step 1 | 0.8 mg once daily | Starting dose |
| Step 2 | 2.5 mg once daily | Increase only after at least 30 days on 0.8 mg once daily |
| Step 3 | 5.5 mg once daily | Increase only after at least 30 days on 2.5 mg once daily |
| Step 4 | 9 mg once daily | Increase only after at least 30 days on 5.5 mg once daily, depending on response and tolerability |
| Step 5 | 14.5 mg once daily | Increase only after at least 30 days on 9 mg once daily, depending on response and tolerability |
| Step 6 | 17.2 mg once daily/td> | Maximum recommended dose. Increase only after at least 30 days on 14.5 mg once daily, depending on response and tolerability |
Foundayo dosage starts at 0.8mg. We increase the dose based on how you respond and how well you tolerate each step. A minimum of 30 days is spent on each strength:
0.8mg → 2.5mg → 5.5mg → 9mg → 14.5mg → 17.2mg (maximum)
Foundayo tablets come in all six strengths. Not everyone reaches the maximum of 17.2mg. The goal is to find the lowest effective dose for you. Some patients get results at 5.5mg or 9mg and stay there. Others stop because side effects outweigh the benefits at higher strengths. The dose escalation is gradual, to help reduce the lseverity of side effects.
How long does Foundayo take to work?
While it only takes a few hours for Foundayo to reach peak concentration in your body, meaningful weight results with Foundayo (orforglipron) tend to be seen over weeks and months. The clinical trials mentioned above were performed over the course of 72 weeks - around a year and a half.
As with other GLP-1 medications, the starter dose may provide only a small change in your appetite. This will change as you increase your dose, meaning it may take time before the full effects of the treatment are felt.
If you feel that the medication is not effective after increasing your dose, speak to your prescriber.
How do I take Foundayo?
Take one tablet once daily. Swallow it whole. Do not break, crush or chew.
You can take it at any time of day, with or without food or water. You do not need to fast before or after dosing. We advise taking FOundayo at the same time each day.
If you miss a dose, take it the same day when remembered. Do not take two tablets in one day. If you've missed seven or more days in a row, seek clinical advice before restarting.
Foundayo Side Effects
Foundayo side effects are similar to what we see with other GLP-1 medications. They mainly affect the gut, a direct result of how these treatments work.
Increasing the dose gradually helps reduce the impact of these side effects. In the ATTAIN-1 trial, 3.5 to 7% of people on higher doses still stopped treatment because of stomach-related side effects. On placebo, that figure was around 0.4%.
If you notice anything unexpected, report side effects to our clinical team or through the Yellow Card scheme.
Common side effects
Nausea is the most common. It tends to be at its worst during the first 4 to 8 weeks of treatment and after each dose increase.
Other common Foundayo side effects include:
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating (gas)
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Tiredness
Some people also experience:
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Belching
- Hair loss
These are usually mild to moderate. Most ease as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects are uncommon but require urgent attention. Stop taking the medicine immediately, and seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:
| Side effect | Symptoms |
| Pancreatitis | Severe stomach pain that does not go away. It may spread to the back |
| Severe stomach problems | Ongoing pain, vomiting, unable to keep fluids down |
| Dehydration/kidney problems | Diarrhoea or vomiting lasting more than a day or two, dark urine |
| Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) | Dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, and rapid heartbeat. Higher risk with insulin or sulfonylureas |
| Serious allergic reaction | Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Difficulty breathing, severe rash, fainting |
| Gallbladder problems | Upper stomach pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, fever, and clay-coloured stools |
| Vision changes | Changes in eyesight, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes |
Who should not take Foundayo?
Do not take Foundayo if you or a close family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
The Foundayo prescribing information includes a boxed warning about thyroid tumours, including cancer. Animal studies have shown this with other GLP-1 medications. Whether the same risk applies to people is not yet known.
Seek medical advice if you are taking Foundayo and notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Treatment is also not suitable if you have severe liver impairment or a known serious allergy to orforglipron.
Tell us before starting if you have a history of pancreatitis, kidney problems, delayed stomach emptying, diabetes-related eye disease, or scheduled surgery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Foundayo may cause harm to an unborn baby. Use reliable contraception during treatment. See the drug interactions section for important information about oral contraceptive pills. Foundayo is not recommended for use during breastfeeding.
Does Foundayo interact with other medicines?
Tell us about all the medicines you take. Some combinations need dose changes or are best avoided.
Certain medicines slow down how your liver breaks down Foundayo. Examples include ketoconazole and clarithromycin. Slowing Foundayo breakdown means increased drug levels in your blood. And increased side effects. If you take one of these, Foundayo prescribing guidance suggests limiting your dose to 9mg daily. Please speak to our clinical team so we can advise you on the most suitable dose for you. Ensure you advise us of all medications you are currently taking.
Some medicines speed up how your liver processes Foundayo (for example, carbamazepine or rifampicin). This can lower drug levels and make it less effective. We do not generally recommend using these medicines together.
In some cases, Foundayo can affect how well you process other medications:
- Insulin and sulfonylureas (a type of diabetes tablet): combining these with Foundayo may increase hypoglycaemia risk. Your GP or diabetic clinic may need to adjust the dose.
- Simvastatin: Foundayo can increase how much of it reaches your bloodstream. Prescribing guidance recommends keeping simvastatin at 20mg daily or below while on treatment. Let your GP know if you are taking simvastatin and plan to start using Foundayo.
- Oral contraceptive pills: the pill may not work as well while you are on treatment. Use a barrier method or non-oral contraceptive for 30 days after starting and 30 days after each dose increase.
Foundayo slows stomach emptying, which may affect how quickly your body absorbs other oral medicines. We should be aware of all other medicines you take to check for potential interactions with Foundayo.
If you are having surgery or a procedure under general anaesthetic, tell your medical team you take Foundayo. GLP-1 medicines slow stomach emptying. This raises the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs while under sedation.
How should I store Foundayo?
Store Foundayo at room temperature (20–25°C). The tablets are light-sensitive, so it is important to keep them in the original bottle and carton. Place the cap on after use. Keep them away from direct light and out of the reach of children.
How much does Foundayo cost in the UK?
| Foundayo Dose | Price (One-time purchase) | Subscribe & Save |
| 0.8mg | £109 | £59 (first order only) |
| 2.5mg | £119 | £107.10 |
| 5.5mg | £139 | £125.10 |
| 9mg | £169 | £152.10 |
| 14.5mg | £189 | £170.10 |
| 17.2mg | £199 | £179.10 |
Key takeaways
- Foundayo is MHRA-approved and now available in the UK as of 24 August 2026.
- One tablet, once a day. No injections and no fasting. In clinical trials, the highest dose led to an average weight loss of 11.1% over 72 weeks.
- Side effects are mainly stomach-related and tend to ease over time. Not everyone tolerates higher doses, and weight loss varies between individuals.
How do I get Foundayo in the UK?
Foundayo is now available in the UK as a once-daily tablet alternative to injectable GLP-1 treatments.
Take our assessment to see if Foundayo is suitable for you.
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Medically reviewed: 25/08/2026
References
Foundayo (Orforglipron) Prescribing Information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026
UK first in Europe to authorise orforglipron for weight management and type 2 diabetes, gov.uk, 2026
Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment, New England Journal of Medicine, 2025
ACHIEVE-4, the Longest Phase 3 Study of Lilly's Foundayo (Orforglipron) to Date, Eli Lilly and Company, 2026
Orforglipron: A Comprehensive Review of an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026
The Pharmacological Basis for Nonpeptide Agonism of the GLP-1 Receptor by Orforglipron, Science Translational Medicine, 2024
Effect of Food Consumption on the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Orforglipron, Diabetes Therapy, 2024
Disposition and Absolute Bioavailability of Orally Administered Orforglipron in Healthy Participants, Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development, 2025
Transcellular Stomach Absorption of a Derivatized Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist, Science Translational Medicine, 2018
Oral Semaglutide 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, New England Journal of Medicine, 2025
Wegovy (Semaglutide) Prescribing Information, Novo Nordisk, 2026
Yellow Card Scheme, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Is Foundayo an injection?
No. Foundayo is a tablet taken by mouth once daily. It is intended to offer a non-injectable option for suitable patients.
Is Foundayo the same as Wegovy Pill?
No. Both are oral GLP-1 treatments, but they contain different active ingredients. Foundayo contains orforglipron. Wegovy Pill contains semaglutide. They are not interchangeable without clinical assessment. Patients will be offered an equivalent dose via the assessment logic if suitable.
How is Foundayo different from injectable treatments?
The main difference is the format and routine. Foundayo is a daily tablet, whereas Wegovy and Mounjaro injections are weekly injection pens. Foundayo does not require needles or injection pen handling.
Does Foundayo have the same food and water restrictions as Wegovy Pill?
No. Foundayo can be taken without food or water restrictions. Patients should swallow the tablet whole and should not break, crush or chew it.
Usage & Dosage
How often is Foundayo taken?
Foundayo is taken once daily.
What dose do you start on?
How quickly can the dose be increased?
Dose escalation is gradual. Patients should remain on each dose for at least 30 days before moving up, depending on tolerability and clinical review.
What is the maintenance dose?
The maintenance dose is selected based on clinical response and tolerability. The higher ongoing treatment doses may include 5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg or 17.2 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 17.2 mg once daily.
What happens if you miss a dose?
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. Only one dose of Foundayo should be taken each day; two doses should not be taken in the same day. We don’t currently have a break in treatment guide for Foundayo. This is in progress and will be shared once complete and clinically validated.
Can you stop and start Foundayo?
Patients should not stop and restart treatment without clinical advice. If there has been a treatment gap, the clinical team should review whether the patient can restart safely and whether a lower dose is needed. This will be confirmed once the break in treatment logic is complete.
Can you switch from Wegovy injection to Foundayo?
Some patients may be suitable to switch, but this requires clinical assessment. Patients will be offered an equivalent dose via the assessment logic if suitable.
Can you switch from Mounjaro to Foundayo?
Some patients may be suitable to switch, but this requires clinical assessment. Patients will be offered an equivalent dose via the assessment logic if suitable.
Can you take Foundayo and an injectable GLP-1 together?
No. Patients should not take Foundayo at the same time as Wegovy, Mounjaro or any other weight loss medicine.
Will you need a new assessment to switch?
Yes. Switching to Foundayo should be treated as a new clinical decision. Patients will need an assessment so the prescriber can confirm suitability, interactions and the most appropriate starting dose.
Will the Foundayo dose be the same as the injection dose?
No. Foundayo has its own dosing schedule and strengths. Injection doses do not convert directly to Foundayo tablet doses.
Effectiveness & Results
How much weight can patients expect to lose?
Weight loss varies between individuals. Trials showed patients could achieve an average weight reduction of 12.4% on the highest dose over 72 weeks.
Will everyone lose the same amount of weight?
No. These are average results from clinical studies. Individual results depend on the dose reached, how consistently the medicine is taken, diet and lifestyle changes, side effects, adherence and individual response.
Do you still need diet and lifestyle support?
Yes. Foundayo is used alongside a healthier diet and increased exercise. Medication is not a replacement for lifestyle support.
Side Effects & Safety
What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects of Foundayo are similar to other GLP-1 agonists and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, abdominal distension, eructation (belching), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), flatulence, hair loss, headache and fatigue.
What should you do if you feel sick?
Mild nausea can occur, especially during dose escalation. Patients should follow the usual support process and contact the Patient Care Team if symptoms are persistent, worsening, affecting fluid intake or causing concern.
When should you seek urgent medical help?
Patients should seek urgent medical help if they have severe or persistent abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, severe vomiting, symptoms of allergic reaction, or any symptoms that feel serious or rapidly worsening.
Is Foundayo suitable for everyone?
No. Suitability depends on the patient’s medical history, current medicines, BMI, weight-related conditions, pregnancy/breastfeeding status and any contraindications or cautions in the product information. A clinical assessment is required before supply.
Can Foundayo interact with other medicines?
Yes. Patients must provide a full and accurate medication list, including prescribed medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements, so the clinical team can check suitability.
Which medicines are particularly important to ask about?
Simvastatin is a very common drug used to treat high cholesterol. If a patient is taking Foundayo, the simvastatin dose should be halved. Oral hormonal contraception may be affected because Foundayo delays gastric emptying, which may impact absorption. Patients using oral hormonal contraception should either switch to a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method (such as condoms) for 30 days after starting Foundayo and for 30 days after each dose escalation. Other common interactions include carbamazepine and phenytoin. This list is not exhaustive, so it is important that patients provide their full medication list to ensure suitability.
Access & Cost
Has Foundayo launched in the UK?
Foundayo has been approved by the MHRA on 10/08/2026. As of 24/08/2026, Foundayo is available to order through Simple Online Pharmacy.
Who is eligible for Foundayo?
According to the Patient Information, Foundayo is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, in adults with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or above (obesity), or 27 kg/m2 to under 30 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease.
Compare
Treatment Comparison
| Saxenda | Xenical | Orlistat | Mysimba | |
| Ingredient | Liraglutide | Orlistat 120mg | Orlistat 120mg | Naltrexone/Bupropion |
| Mechanism | Regulates appetite | Reduces fat absorption | Reduces fat absorption | Regulates appetite |
| Dose | Injected once daily | One three times daily with meals | One three times daily with meals | Gradually increased to 4 tablets daily |
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