New Daily Diabetes Pill Foundayo, Offering Weight Loss Benefits, Launches in UK Pharmacies

A new oral medication for type 2 diabetes that also aids weight loss is now available on private prescription at UK pharmacies. The drug, sold under the brand name Foundayo, enters the market as a daily pill, providing an alternative for patients who may be reluctant or unable to use injectable weight-loss and diabetes treatments.

Foundayo is classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of drugs that has gained significant attention for its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels and facilitating weight loss. Unlike most existing GLP-1 treatments, which require weekly or daily injections, Foundayo is taken orally, a feature that pharmacists say could improve patient compliance and accessibility.

However, alongside the launch, pharmacy leaders are sounding the alarm over a growing problem: the availability of counterfeit, unlicensed, or fake GLP-1 tablets, including some that may be marketed online as Foundayo. The warning echoes concerns raised earlier this year by experts about the dangers of unregulated weight-loss medications.

Why This Matters

Expanded treatment options: Foundayo provides a pill form of GLP-1 therapy, which could appeal to patients who are needle-averse or prefer the convenience of an oral medication. This may increase the number of people effectively managing type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Patient safety risk: The concurrent warning about counterfeit GLP-1 tablets highlights a serious public health concern. Patients seeking cheaper or easier access online may inadvertently purchase ineffective or dangerous substances.
Market and healthcare impact: As GLP-1 drugs become blockbuster treatments, the introduction of oral formulations could shift prescribing patterns and costs, potentially reducing pressure on some healthcare systems if more patients achieve better outcomes.

Background

GLP-1 receptor agonists were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which stimulates insulin release and suppresses appetite. Drugs such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have become widely known for their substantial weight loss effects, leading to massive global demand and occasional shortages.

Most GLP-1 medications are injectable, which can be a barrier for some patients. In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have worked to develop oral formulations to improve convenience. Foundayo is one such product now reaching the UK market. The medication will be available through private prescription, meaning it will not be covered by the National Health Service (NHS) except in specific funded programs.

The warning about counterfeit GLP-1 tablets is not new. In January 2026, experts flagged that fake versions of weight-loss medications were being sold online, often containing dangerous ingredients or incorrect dosages. The launch of Foundayo has amplified those concerns, as counterfeiters may target patients seeking the new oral option.

Key Perspectives

Pharmacists: The Royal Pharmaceutical Society and individual pharmacy chains have welcomed Foundayo as a useful addition for patients who cannot use injections. They emphasise the importance of obtaining the drug through legitimate channels and the role of pharmacists in verifying prescriptions and ensuring patient safety.

Patients and Patient Groups: For people with type 2 diabetes or obesity who have avoided injectable treatments, Foundayo offers a more acceptable option. Patient advocacy groups have expressed hope that oral GLP-1s will improve treatment uptake and outcomes, but they also stress the need for affordability and access.

Critics and Regulators: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and online safety advocates are concerned about the counterfeit market. They argue that without stronger enforcement against illegal online sales and better public education, patients could be harmed. Some critics also question the cost of private prescriptions and whether the NHS will eventually fund oral GLP-1s.

What to Watch

Reports of counterfeit Foundayo: Monitor for incident reports from the MHRA or pharmacy chains about fake tablets seized or adverse events linked to unlicensed products.
NHS prescribing decisions: Whether the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reviews Foundayo for potential NHS coverage, which would expand access beyond private patients.
Supply chain dynamics: Watch for signs of shortages or supply constraints as demand for oral GLP-1s grows, and how manufacturers respond.

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