New Oral Drug Foundayo for Weight Loss
For people seeking an oral GLP-1 medication, Foundayo is now available in the U.S.
The latest weight management medication on the market, Eli Lilly’s Foundayo (orforglipron), was approved by the FDA in April 2026. Foundayo is now the second oral GLP-1 medication available for weight management, following the approval of oral Wegovy (semaglutide) in December 2025.
Though both are GLP-1 medications, Foundayo can be taken any time of day without food or water restrictions, whereas oral Wegovy must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach with no more than four ounces of water, and waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Foundayo is most effective for weight management when paired with regular physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet.
Foundayo is only approved for adults with overweight or obesity, but Lilly has said they plan to submit the drug to the FDA for type 2 diabetes approval sometime this year. Currently, Rybelsus (semaglutide) is the only oral GLP-1 approved for type 2 diabetes.
How effective is Foundayo?
Multiple late-stage clinical trials have found Foundayo to be effective for weight management, with participants on the highest dose losing roughly 27 pounds. It’s also been shown to be effective for blood sugar management, helping reduce A1C in people with type 2 diabetes.
New late-stage research from April 2026 also showed cardiovascular benefits of Foundayo, including improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and other markers of heart health.
Side effects
Foundayo has side effects similar to other GLP-1s, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. It’s designed to be taken with a low and slow approach, starting at smaller doses and gradually escalating to minimize side effects. Foundayo is available in six doses: 0.8 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg, and 17.2 mg.
How much does Foundayo cost?
Foundayo will be available through the LillyDirect online pharmacy with free home delivery, starting at $25 per month with commercial insurance coverage and $149 for self-pay. Higher doses could cost as much as $349 a month or $299 for those who refill within 45 days.
Learn more about GLP-1s and other diabetes medications here: