Abu dhabi: The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved Foundayo (orforglipron), an oral treatment for chronic weight management, establishing the UAE as the second nation worldwide to register this medication, developed by Eli Lilly, a global pharmaceutical company.
According to Emirates News Agency, the approval aligns with EDE's efforts to provide advanced therapies that transform traditional treatment methods, offering oral alternatives to injections and improving patient experiences. This initiative reflects EDE's commitment to accelerating access to global pharmaceutical innovations, supporting the UAE's goal to build a leading pharmaceutical sector founded on efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
Orforglipron, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is designed for daily oral intake without dietary restrictions to aid in weight reduction and chronic obesity management. The treatment helps regulate appetite and reduce food intake as part of a comprehensive program aimed at lifestyle modification and health improvement.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, emphasized the significance of the UAE's approval of orforglipron, marking the nation's commitment to adopting the latest pharmaceutical advancements, especially for individuals with obesity. She highlighted EDE's dedication to supporting a sustainable pharmaceutical ecosystem through innovation and collaboration with sector partners, ensuring the availability of quality treatments, enhancing prevention efforts, and sustaining the national pharmaceutical system to protect community health.
Al Kaabi noted that orforglipron's approval follows clinical trials demonstrating its effectiveness, stressing the importance of addressing obesity due to its links to over 200 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and various cancers.
Roberta Marinelli, President and General Manager for Eli Lilly, META Hub, stated that the once-daily oral treatment offers an additional option for obesity management. The UAE's approval allows eligible patients to access this treatment among available options. Clinical trials showed promising outcomes, with participants on the highest dose achieving an average weight loss of 12.4%. The treatment should be available to eligible patients by May 2026.
