The weight loss pill, administered daily, offers a potentially more affordable alternative to weight loss injections
The UAE has become the second country in the world to approve a revolutionary new weight loss pill, Foundayo (orforglipron), which is expected to become available in May 2026.
Developed in the US by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, orfoglipron was authorised by the UAE’s drug regulator earlier in April, and is expected to be available in the UAE in the coming weeks, and will be called Foundayo. The new weight loss pill was approved in the UAE following promising clinical trial results that demonstrated the treatment’s effectiveness.
Orforglipron, developed by US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, is expected to be made available to eligible patients in the Emirates from next month, under the brand name Foundayo. The GLP-1 tablet offers an alternative to those currently taking weight loss injections, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy.
Here’s everything you need to know about Foundayo.
What does orforglipron do?
Orforglipron belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, per King’s College Hospital Dubai. These medicines help control appetite, lower food intake, and support your metabolism.
Orforglipron is different to typical GLP-1 medications because it comes as a tablet that you take once per day, instead of an injection.
When will Foundayo be available?
After being approved by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) in early April, Foundayo is set to become available in the UAE in May 2026, according to Gulf Business.
Who is eligible to take it?
Per Khaleej Times, prescriptions for Foundayo will be an option for adults considered clinically obese, defined as those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. Those who are overweight with a BMI of above 27 will also be considered if they have at least one related health condition.
Dr Noor Naji HOD and consultant internal medicine, Burjeel Medical City, told Khaleej Times this includes conditions such as, “type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea or [those with] joint-related issues.”
UAE residents will need to get a prescription from their doctor.
How much will it cost?
Right now, the UAE’s drug regulator hasn’t confirmed how much it will cost. However, per Gulf News, in the US it’s expected to cost around $25 (approximately Dhs92) per month for patients with commercial insurance, rising to around $149 per month (approximately Dhs547) for those paying themselves, which provides a benchmark of the pricing we might expect in the UAE.
What are the side effects?
Per Kings College, side effects can include nausea, vomiting, or other digestive issues, which are also common of those taking weight loss injections.
Lead image: Unsplash
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