Eli Lilly Launches New GLP-1 Weight Loss Pill in Israel

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has launched Foundayo (Orforglipron), its new GLP-1 family weight loss pill, in Israel. This makes Israel the fourth country globally where Lilly is introducing the medication. The company aims to have the drug included in Israel's national health basket by 2027. Currently, the pill is only available through private import with a doctor's prescription and special health fund authorization.

Foundayo will be available in pharmacies starting September 15, requiring a prescription. Prices will range from 691 shekels for the lowest dosage to 1146 shekels for the highest. The extent of subsidies from health funds remains undetermined.

Similar to injectable weight loss drugs, Foundayo is intended for individuals with severe obesity or overweight conditions who also have at least one weight-related illness. In clinical trials, the maximum dosage of Foundayo resulted in a 12.4% weight reduction, which is less effective than existing injectable GLP-1 medications and also trails behind Novo Nordisk's upcoming pill, which showed a 14% to 16.6% reduction in trials. Lilly's drug has also demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of death from heart disease among diabetic patients.

The pill is designed for once-daily oral administration, without specific timing requirements related to meals or drinks, and does not need refrigeration.