What is Foundayo?
Foundayo (orforglipron) is Eli Lilly’s once-daily GLP-1 pill for weight management in adults, FDA-approved on April 1, 2026 and taken with or without food. In its main 72-week trial, the 17.2 mg dose cut weight by 11.1%, against 2.1% on a dummy pill. In its 2 main trials, 35 in 100 people on that dose had nausea, against 10 in 100.
What is Foundayo approved for, and how do you take it?
Its US label covers adults with obesity, or with overweight plus at least 1 weight-related condition, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity.1
You take 1 tablet a day, “with or without food,” swallowed whole.1 That is the main practical difference from the Wegovy pill, which must be taken on an empty stomach with up to 4 ounces of water and a 30-minute wait before eating.5
The dose starts at 0.8 mg, rises to 2.5 mg after at least 30 days, then to 5.5 mg, and can go up to 9, 14.5 or 17.2 mg.1 It shouldn’t be combined with another GLP‑1.1 The FDA approved it on April 1, 2026.2
How much weight did people lose?
In the main 72-week trial of 3,127 adults without diabetes, average weight fell 7.4% on 5.5 mg, 8.3% on 9 mg and 11.1% on 17.2 mg, against 2.1% on a placebo (dummy pill). These are averages: some people lost more, some less.1
In a second trial of people with type 2 diabetes, the 17.2 mg dose lowered weight by 9.6%, against 2.5% on the dummy pill.1 Up to 24% of people in a group had no final weight recorded, and the label fills those gaps statistically.1
How GLP‑1 medicines work is in Guide 2.
- Stomach effects are common. In the 2 main trials pooled, 35 in 100 people on 17.2 mg had nausea and 24 in 100 had vomiting, against 10 in 100 and 4 in 100 on the dummy pill.1
- Stopping because of side effects. 10 in 100 people on 17.2 mg stopped for good because of side effects, against 3 in 100 on the dummy pill, mostly for stomach problems.1
- Birth control pills. The label advises switching to a non-oral method, or adding a barrier method, for 30 days after starting and after each dose increase.1
- Thyroid, pancreas, gallbladder. Foundayo carries the boxed thyroid C-cell tumor warning and warnings on pancreatitis and gallbladder disease.1
How much does Foundayo cost?
Lilly’s regular self-pay prices run from $149 a month for 0.8 mg to $349 for 14.5 mg and 17.2 mg, for 30 days of tablets.3
Through December 31, 2026, Lilly has cut 2.5 mg to $149 and 5.5 mg to $199. The top 2 doses cost $299 if each refill is bought within 45 days of the last one.3 These are the maker’s own prices, checked October 12, 2026; we don’t list sellers.
With commercial insurance that covers it, Lilly’s savings card can cut the cost to as little as $25; people in Medicare, Medicaid and other government programs are excluded.3 Medicare’s GLP‑1 Bridge covers Foundayo for weight at $50 a month for people who meet its criteria.4
Read the full picture
Related questions
Sources
- Eli Lilly. Foundayo (orforglipron) tablets, US prescribing information and Medication Guide, revised 7/2026 (initial US approval 2026). US label. uspl.lilly.com
- Healio. “FDA approves Foundayo, an oral GLP-1, for adults with obesity.” Apr 1, 2026. Secondary source. healio.com
- Eli Lilly. Foundayo coverage and savings: regular self-pay prices, temporary reductions through Dec 31, 2026, the 45-day refill condition, and savings card terms. Maker’s page, checked Oct 12, 2026; plain text, no link to a purchase page.
- Medicare.gov. Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: who qualifies, covered drugs, $50 monthly copayment, how to check (1-800-MEDICARE). Checked Oct 12, 2026. medicare.gov
- Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) injection and tablets, US prescribing information and Medication Guide, revised 06/2026 (tablet administration). US label. novo-pi.com
Last checked Oct 12, 2026 · Next review due Oct 12, 2027 · Report an error
How this answer was made. Written by the GLP Guidebook team from the sources above, all checked on Oct 12, 2026. It’s general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor, pharmacist or other licensed prescriber before starting, stopping or changing any medicine. In an emergency, call 911. How we write