By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
NATIONAL — For millions of Americans who have wanted the benefits of GLP-1 weight loss medications but could not manage the injections or high costs, a new option is now available at pharmacies across the country.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Foundayo — made by Eli Lilly and known generically as orforglipron — on April 1 as a once-daily oral pill for adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition. It is the second oral GLP-1 pill on the market, following Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill approved in December 2025. Unlike the Wegovy pill, Foundayo can be taken at any time of day without food or water restrictions — a significant practical advantage for people with busy schedules or irregular routines.
In clinical trials, patients on the highest dose of Foundayo lost an average of 12 percent of their body weight over 72 weeks, compared to less than 1 percent for placebo. Injectable GLP-1 drugs have shown higher weight loss — over 20 percent in some trials — but the pill form removes the barrier of needles entirely.
Pricing is more accessible than earlier GLP-1 medications. Patients with commercial insurance can pay as little as $25 a month with a Lilly savings card. For those paying out of pocket, the lowest dose starts at $149 a month, with higher doses up to $349 a month. Medicare Part D coverage is expected to begin July 1, 2026.
For Black communities in Alabama — where obesity rates and Type 2 diabetes diagnoses are significantly higher than national averages — Foundayo represents a potentially meaningful new tool. Alabama has one of the highest obesity rates in the country, and Black Alabamians are disproportionately affected. The pill form and lower price point may make treatment more accessible to patients who previously could not afford or self-administer injectable medications.
Patients should consult their physician to determine whether Foundayo is appropriate for their individual health profile.