Eli Lilly obesity pill Foundayo gets the FDA green light : NPR

Key Points:

• The FDA has approved Foundayo, Eli Lilly's once-daily GLP-1 pill for obesity, marking the second pill of its kind after Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, providing patients with a non-injectable treatment option.
• Foundayo uses a novel small molecule ingredient, orforglipron, which is easier to absorb and can be taken without food restrictions, unlike Wegovy's peptide-based pill that requires fasting before and after dosing.
• Clinical trials showed patients on the highest dose of Foundayo lost an average of 27.3 pounds over 72 weeks, with common side effects including nausea, constipation, and diarrhea; however, no direct comparison trials with Wegovy exist.
• Cost remains a significant barrier, with Foundayo priced at $149 per month for cash-paying customers, potentially lower than injectable options, and insurance coverage details are still emerging, though copays may be reduced through savings programs.
• Experts note that while Foundayo's convenience could improve adherence, injection hesitancy is not a major issue among patients, and affordability continues to be the primary obstacle to accessing obesity treatments.