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Earlier this month, the FDA approved a new GLP-1 pill for weight loss: Foundayo™. The daily pill, manufactured by drugmaker Eli Lilly (the company that makes Zepbound® and Mounjaro®), is the second GLP-1 pill to hit the market, following the Wegovy® pill release earlier this year.
Unlike the Wegovy pill, the Foundayo pill can be taken any time of day without food or water restrictions. “People living with obesity need treatment options that meet them where they are—and for many, a once-daily pill that can be taken with no food or water restrictions can offer them greater flexibility in how they approach their treatment,” said Deborah Horn, DO, director of the Center for Obesity Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, in Eli Lilly’s press release.
What is Foundayo?
Foundayo is a GLP-1 pill that is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. It works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which slows digestion and helps regulate appetite and blood sugar.
Foundayo is taken once a day, with or without food. Patients will typically start at the lowest dose (0.8 mg) and gradually work their way up to the highest dose they can tolerate (up to 17.2 mg). The cost starts at $149/month. Learn more about prescribing information at foundayo.lilly.com.
How effective is Foundayo for weight loss?
In the ATTAIN-1 phase 3 clinical trial, participants taking the highest dose of Foundayo who completed 72 weeks of treatment in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight (27.3 pounds), compared to 0.9% with placebo.*
To compare, in Phase 3 OASIS 4 clinical trials studying the Wegovy pill, the first GLP-1 pill approved for weight management, participants achieved average weight loss of 16.6% over 64 weeks when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise.*
Foundayo joins several other GLP-1s on the market FDA-approved for weight management, giving patients another option to consider as they work toward their health goals.
GLP-1 pill vs. injectable: Which is better?
GLP-1 pills and injectables are both GLP-1 agonists that slow digestion and help regulate appetite and blood sugar. Both administration types have shown meaningful weight loss in clinical trials.
The main difference between the two types is how you take it, and how often. GLP-1 pills are taken once a day, while injectables are administered subcutaneously once a week. Because individual needs and preferences vary, there is no “best” GLP-1. The right option for you will be determined by your provider’s recommendation, your body’s response to medication, and your medical history.
Get started today with a Shed Membership
If approved for a prescription, Shed members can get access to Foundayo through a Shed Membership. The membership includes:
- Unlimited provider support
- Shed Community access with resources, expert education, and continuous support
- Care from our Member Success and Nurse teams every step of the way
- Complimentary text-based coaching for ongoing guidance**
- Dedicated support on prescription orders
- Support and access to Foundayo. Medication cost not included.
The Shed Membership starts at $125/month, in addition to the cost of the medication (starting at $149/month, paid separately through LillyDirect). Our goal is to not just make the process simple for you, but to support you from day 1 so you can reach your goals and keep the weight off long term.
Ready to get started? See if you qualify.
Frequently asked questions about Foundayo
What is Foundayo and how does it work?
Foundayo (orforglipron) is a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite and food intake, signaling to the brain to reduce hunger, which may help make it easier to eat less without feeling deprived, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
How do I take Foundayo?
Take one pill by mouth once daily, as prescribed by your provider. Swallow it whole—do not break, crush, or chew. Your provider will guide your dosing schedule.
What’s the difference between Foundayo and the Wegovy pill?
The main differences are the active ingredients and how they’re taken. Foundayo contains orforglipron, a new, small-molecule GLP-1, and can be taken any time of day with or without food. The Wegovy pill contains semaglutide and should be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, with a 30-minute wait before eating or drinking. A licensed provider can help you decide which is the better fit.
How do I know which GLP-1 pill is right for me?
A licensed provider will review your health history and goals to determine whether Foundayo, the Wegovy pill, or another treatment option is the right fit for you. You won’t be prescribed anything without a medical review.
Does Foundayo have any side effects?
The most common side effects may include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, headache, and fatigue. These side effects are typically mild to moderate and may decrease over time. Your provider can help you manage side effects throughout your treatment.
Foundayo may reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control pills, and providers may recommend alternative contraception for 30 days after starting and after each dose increase. Foundayo also has a Boxed Warning for possible thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. Do not use if you or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma. See full prescribing information at foundayo.lilly.com.
How often am I charged for the Shed Membership?
The Shed Membership is billed every month, on a 28-day billing cycle.
Do I need to refill my medication through Shed each month?
No. You’ll refill your medication directly through LIllyDirect or NovoCare, depending on which GLP-1 pill you’re taking. Shed will continue to support you through provider check-ins and medication follow-ups as needed.
*Foundayo (orforglipron) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Results vary by individual and are not guaranteed. Weight loss depends on factors such as diet, exercise, adherence, medical history, and individual response.
**Complimentary 1-on-1 coaching refers to 1 free virtual visit with a Shed Health Coach each month as well as free text-based coaching. Free text-based coaching may include automated responses generated by an AI assistant. All communication is monitored and reviewed by a licensed coach for accuracy, safety, and quality of support. AI does not replace professional medical or mental health advice.
Medication pricing starts at $149/month for new members using cash pay. Price does not include the $125/month Shed Membership and provider fee, paid directly to Shed. Medication costs are paid separately to the dispensing pharmacy.
A licensed provider will evaluate and prescribe medication when clinically appropriate. Prescriptions are based on a medical evaluation and are at the provider's discretion.
Shed is not a pharmacy and does not dispense medications. Prescriptions are fulfilled and shipped by a third-party dispensing pharmacy. Medications carry risks and side effects. Members should review the full Prescribing Information and discuss risks with their provider.
Foundayo™ is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk. Shed is not affiliated with or endorsed by Eli Lilly and Company or Novo Nordisk.
