The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a second oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug on April 2, 2024, providing a new option for individuals seeking weight loss solutions. This new tablet, Foundayo, developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, aims to offer greater convenience compared to existing options.

Foundayo’s Efficacy in Clinical Trials

Clinical trials demonstrated Foundayo’s effectiveness in promoting weight loss. Participants taking the highest dose of Foundayo lost an average of 27.3 pounds, compared to 2.2 pounds in the placebo group. The medication also showed positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors, including waist circumference, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure.

Comparison to Oral Semaglutide

Foundayo was assessed against oral semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and outperformed it on key metrics, including weight loss and blood sugar control. This highlights its potential benefits for individuals managing both weight and diabetes.

Key Differences from Existing GLP-1 Medications

Foundayo distinguishes itself from other GLP-1s as the first that isn’t a peptide, but a synthetic small molecule. This composition offers greater stability compared to organic, biological alternatives. Unlike Wegovy, which requires strict administration guidelines – first thing in the morning with water and 30 minutes before other intake – Foundayo can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.

Absorption and Administration

According to experts, Wegovy’s formulation includes an absorption enhancer to optimize medication uptake. “Because the Foundayo pill is a small molecule, it does not have that absorption enhancer and that’s what allows the administration to be more variable,” explained one expert to The Post. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for patients with complex morning routines or those taking other medications requiring timed administration.

Expanding Access to GLP-1 Therapy

Foundayo may broaden access to GLP-1 therapy for individuals who are not ideal candidates for injectables or the Wegovy pill, such as those who are overweight but not obese and require more modest weight loss. While injectables typically lead to around 20% weight loss and Wegovy around 16%, Foundayo offers an average of 12.4% weight loss.

Long-Term Weight Maintenance

Clinical trial results suggest Foundayo could be effective for long-term weight maintenance. Patients who switched from Zepbound or Wegovy injections to Foundayo pills were able to maintain most of their weight loss.

Future Availability and Potential Side Effects

Eli Lilly aims for a widespread, unrestricted launch of Foundayo globally, a feat considered “not possible with injectables.” However, like other GLP-1s, Foundayo carries potential side effects, including warnings of possible thyroid tumors, cancer, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal issues, dehydration, and interference with oral birth control. It is also less likely to have adverse interactions with heart disease and blood pressure drugs than some other weight loss medications.