New Once-Daily Weight-Loss Pill Expected to Launch in Israel
A new once-daily weight-loss pill, orforglipron (Foundayo), is expected to launch in Israel this September, offering a non-injectable alternative for obesity management.
In recent years, the field of weight-loss medications has changed dramatically, largely thanks to GLP-1 receptor agonists. Now, a new option is expected to launch in Israel: orforglipron, to be marketed under the brand name "Foundayo". Unlike injectable treatments, this medication is administered as a once-daily pill.
According to the company's announcement, the pill is expected to become available in Israel starting September 15, making Israel the fourth country in the world to commercialize it.
Convenience and Storage
One of the main advantages of the drug is its ease of use. It is a daily pill that can be taken regardless of food or drink intake, and it does not require refrigeration. The medication will be available in six different doses, with the highest-dose pills expected to cost up to 1,146 shekels.
The drug is indicated for adults suffering from obesity or overweight individuals with at least one weight-related medical condition. It is meant to be prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. The drug has also been submitted for inclusion in Israel's national health basket.
Clinical Results and Expert Insight
In a large-scale study conducted among overweight and obese adults, participants who received the highest dose of the medication lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight, or about 12.4 kilograms. In addition, improvements were recorded in waist circumference, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Studies conducted among individuals with type 2 diabetes also showed improvements in blood sugar levels.
"The importance of the new treatment lies mainly in expanding the options available to patients. Obesity is a chronic disease, and there is no single treatment that fits everyone," explained Dr. Raz David Hagai, director of the Obesity Treatment Medical Center. "Some people prefer a weekly injection, while others prefer a pill. Ultimately, the goal is not just to lose weight, but to find an effective treatment that can be maintained over time."
Like other GLP-1 medications, this treatment may cause side effects, primarily affecting the digestive system. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which mostly occur at the beginning of the treatment. In clinical trials, about 10.6% of patients receiving the high doses discontinued treatment due to side effects.
The drug has already been approved in the United States and the United Kingdom, and is also available in the United Arab Emirates. If officially launched, it will add a daily oral option to a market that already includes several effective weight-loss treatments.
