New Weight-Loss Pill to Launch in Israel, Fourth Country Globally

The U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly's new weight-loss pill, known medically as orforglipron and marketed as "Poundayou," will be available in Israeli pharmacies starting September 15. Israel is the fourth country worldwide to approve the drug's marketing, following the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. The medication has also been submitted for approval to the Israeli Ministry of Health and inclusion in the national health basket.

Poundayou is a small, daily oral pill designed for adults with obesity or overweight individuals with at least one weight-related comorbidity, to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is noted to be about half as effective as current weight-loss injections. Dr. Raz Haguel, director of the Center for Obesity Treatment, highlighted that the pill's oral administration, without the need for fasting or specific timing relative to meals, offers a simpler treatment option for patients to integrate into their routines.

The drug is administered in six different dosages and does not require refrigeration, a significant logistical advantage for patients and supply chains. The prices for a 30-day supply range from approximately 691.59 shekels for lower doses to 1,146.46 shekels for higher doses.

Clinical trials demonstrated an average weight loss of 12.4% in the highest dosage group. In patients with type 2 diabetes, overweight, and obesity, the drug significantly reduced the combined risk of cardiovascular death and heart attack compared to a placebo. Additional metabolic benefits observed included a reduction in waist circumference, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure, as well as a decrease in HbA1c levels for diabetic patients.

The drug's safety profile is comparable to other treatments, with the most common side effects being gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, typically occurring early in treatment. Approximately 10.6% of participants in clinical trials discontinued the medication due to side effects.