The Food and Drug Administration has granted fast-track approval to a new weight-loss pill developed by Eli Lilly, marking a significant step in the treatment of obesity. The daily oral drug, known as orforglipron and to be sold under the brand name Foundayo, is designed to help people manage obesity and related health conditions. It belongs to a class of medicines called GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite and creates a feeling of fullness.
According to the company, the pill is expected to be available from next week. Patients with insurance may be able to access it for as little as $25 per month through discount programmes, while others could pay between $149 and $349 depending on the dosage. The new treatment follows the approval of a similar pill by Novo Nordisk, highlighting growing competition in the weight-loss drug market.
Regulators reviewed the medicine under a new accelerated programme, completing the process in just 50 days. Clinical trials involving more than 3,000 adults showed that patients taking the highest dose lost an average of 11.2% of their body weight over 16 months. Those given a placebo saw only modest reductions.
While the pill offers greater convenience than injections, it appears to produce less weight loss than injectable treatments such as Zepbound and Wegovy. However, researchers noted improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol and other health markers among users.
Some participants reported side effects, mainly stomach-related issues, leading a small proportion to stop treatment. Experts say the approval could widen access to obesity treatments, particularly for those unable to afford or use injectable drugs.
