The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorised orforglipron (Foundayo) from Eli Lilly on 10 August 2026. The United Kingdom is therefore the first country in Europe to approve the once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight management and the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
An oral GLP-1 medicine without injections
Orforglipron is a small-molecule, non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist. Unlike established injectable products, Foundayo is taken as a tablet. According to the MHRA, it may be taken at any time of day without food or water restrictions. Treatment starts at a low dose and is increased step by step.
Authorised for weight management and type 2 diabetes
In the UK, orforglipron may be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight loss and long-term weight maintenance in adults with a body mass index of 30 or above. The authorisation also covers adults with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have at least one weight-related comorbidity. In addition, it is authorised to improve glycaemic control in insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes.
A European first, but not an EU authorisation
The decision applies to the United Kingdom. It is not equivalent to an authorisation by the European Commission for the European Economic Area. It nevertheless marks an important regulatory step: Europe now has its first authorised oral GLP-1 treatment from Eli Lilly for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
Prescription-only and not yet available through the NHS
Foundayo is a prescription-only medicine. The MHRA states that it is not currently available through the National Health Service; any future NHS use will follow the established assessment process, including evaluation by NICE. The most common adverse effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, indigestion and abdominal pain.
Why the approval matters to pharmacies and the pharmaceutical market
The UK authorisation adds an oral dosage form to competition in the rapidly growing GLP-1 market. Pharmacies, wholesalers and manufacturers will now be watching launch timing, availability, reimbursement decisions and possible further European regulatory procedures. Supply must take place only on prescription through registered pharmacies.