The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the green light on Wednesday to a new oral weight-loss medication developed by the Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly.
Known as orforglipron or brand name Foundayo, the once-daily tablet becomes the second GLP-1 drug in pill form to hit the market in a short span of time, arriving after Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill received approval in December.
“Today, fewer than 1 in 10 people who could benefit from a GLP-1 are taking one, held back by access, stigma, perceived complexity or the belief that their condition isn’t serious enough for treatment,” said David A Ricks, chair and CEO of Eli Lilly, in a statement.
“We believe Foundayo can help level the playing field for those living with obesity or who are overweight and living with weight-related complications.”
Patients taking Foundayo are generally expected to begin with the smallest dose and gradually increase it to help limit side-effects. Unlike the Wegovy pill, which must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, this medication can be taken at any point during the day without regard to meals.
The starting dose is projected to cost about $149 per month for those paying without insurance, similar to the Wegovy pill. Higher strengths may reach prices of up to $349 monthly. It remains uncertain how widely private insurance plans will cover it. However, under a proposal from the Trump administration, Medicare coverage could begin for certain patients as early as this summer, with copayments potentially as low as $50 a month.
Verify you are not a Robot
Please wait 30 seconds...
Post a Comment