New Oral Weight-Loss Pill Approved for Sale in Israel

Israel will soon offer a new oral weight-loss medication, "Poundaio" (orforglipron), the first of its kind in the country to be available in pill form rather than injection. Eli Lilly announced that the drug will be available in pharmacies starting September 15. Prices will range from approximately 692 shekels for a low-dose, one-month supply to 1,146 shekels for a higher dose. This makes Israel the fourth country globally to commercially offer the drug, following the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.

A competing oral weight-loss pill from Novo Nordisk, an oral version of "Wegovy," is expected to arrive in Israel by the end of the year. Poundaio is taken once daily and is absorbed in the digestive system without specific timing requirements related to meals or fasting, unlike Wegovy which requires an empty stomach and minimal water at least 30 minutes before eating. Additionally, Poundaio does not require refrigeration, a significant logistical advantage for patients and the supply chain compared to injectable weight-loss drugs.

Currently, Poundaio is not included in Israel's national health basket. It has been submitted for review by the Ministry of Health for inclusion. Initially, it will be available by prescription through a special form for unapproved medications and will be purchased at full price from private pharmacies. Dr. Lior Neuman, a family physician specializing in diabetes and obesity, noted that the cost is a major barrier for patients, as even existing injectable medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are partially covered by supplementary health insurance, still cost several hundred to a thousand shekels per month.

The launch in Israel follows immense demand for these medications in the United States, where Poundaio has been used by over 20,000 Americans and prescribed by more than 8,000 doctors since its April release.