Orforglipron, also known as Foundayo, is a weight loss treatment that is being developed by Lilly. Orforglipron is a daily pill and GLP-1 medication. 

It is currently not available in the UK.

On this page, we’ll cover:

• What is Orforglipron
• How does Orforglipron work
• The most popular questions about Orforglipron

What is Orforglipron?

Orforglipron is a tablet used to treat type 2 diabetes and weight loss by Lilly. It has been approved for use under the name Foundayo in the US but is not available in the UK.

How effective is Orforglipron?

Orforglipron is still undergoing review for its safety and effectiveness in the UK.

Clinical trials showed that patients on the highest dose of Orforglipron were able to lose weight over 72 weeks compared to placebo, though this was done alongside several healthy lifestyle changes (like increased exercise and healthier diet) which would have also contributed.

When will Orforglipron be available in the UK?

Lilly has not announced when Orforglipron will be available in the UK, either as a treatment for type 2 diabetes or weight loss.

Before being approved, Orforglipron will first need to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

How does Orforglipron work?

Orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist – it mimics the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) hormone, which is normally released after eating. This causes your body to react as it would with the natural hormone:

• Affecting blood sugar levels
• Slowing digestion
• Feeling fuller for longer, leading to a lower appetite

Orforglipron, or other weight loss treatments, should be taken alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased regular exercise.

Who can take Orforglipron?

It hasn’t been confirmed yet who can and cannot take Orforglipron as clinical testing hasn’t finished. We will update this information once the treatment has finished the testing and Lilly has made the information available.

Orforglipron side effects

In Lilly’s trials for Orforglipron, side effects were mostly gastrointestinal and generally mild to moderate. The most common of these were:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Dyspepsia
• Constipation
• Vomiting

In the trial, three doses of Orforglipron were tested (3mg, 12mg and 36mg, alongside a placebo). Generally, patients on the higher doses saw a higher rate of adverse events, though patients on 12mg experienced more nausea, dyspepsia and constipation than those on 36mg (although this was only by several percent).