Foundayo in Dubai: What You Need to Know About One of the UAE’s First Oral GLP-1 Medicines

This article is for general information only. Foundayo is a prescription-only medicine. Always speak to a qualified doctor before starting or changing any treatment.

UAE APPROVED — APRIL 2026 | AVAILABLE AT HEALTHHUB CLINICS & PHARMACY

Foundayo (orforglipron) received UAE regulatory approval in April 2026. It is available by prescription at HealthHub Clinics and HealthHub Pharmacy. A doctor must assess you before it can be prescribed. Speak to a HealthHub doctor about whether it is suitable for you.

A new medicine called Foundayo is now available in the UAE.

It belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medicines are well established in treating type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss. But until recently, all of them had to be given by injection.

Foundayo is different. You take it as a tablet, once a day. It is one of the first oral GLP-1 medicines to receive UAE regulatory approval.

It is available by prescription at HealthHub Clinics and HealthHub Pharmacy across Dubai and the UAE. This guide explains what the clinical evidence shows, how it compares to other options, and how to access it.

What is Foundayo?

Foundayo is the brand name for a medicine called orforglipron. It was developed by Eli Lilly, a global pharmaceutical company.

It belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. This group includes some well-known injectable medicines like Ozempic and Mounjaro.

What makes Foundayo different is how you take it. It comes as a tablet you swallow once a day. There are no special rules about food or water when you take it. And it does not need to be kept in a fridge.

Foundayo received UAE regulatory approval in April 2026. It is one of the first GLP-1 medicines of this type to be approved here. Speak to a HealthHub doctor to find out if it is suitable for your specific situation.

How does Foundayo work?

Your body makes a natural hormone called GLP-1. It is released when you eat. This hormone helps control your blood sugar and your appetite.

Foundayo copies this hormone. So it helps reduce blood sugar and makes you feel less hungry — all from a once-daily tablet.

Foundayo works on three things at once:

It tells your body to release insulin — but only when blood sugar is already high. This is an important safety feature.

It stops your liver from releasing too much sugar into the blood.

It slows down digestion slightly. This helps you feel full for longer after eating.

Why a tablet matters

Until now, medicines that work this way all required injections. Some needed to be stored in a fridge. One oral option already exists — but it has strict rules: you must take it on an empty stomach with a small amount of water and wait 30 minutes before eating.

Foundayo has none of those restrictions. You swallow it once a day, any time, without special preparations.^⁹

For people who dislike injections or have busy lives, this is a meaningful difference.

What does the evidence show?

About the studies below:

The diabetes study (ATTAIN-T2D) is a Phase 3 trial — the most rigorous type of clinical study. The obesity study (Wharton et al.) is a Phase 2 trial, which is an earlier stage of research. They used different patient groups over different time periods, so the results cannot be directly compared with each other.

In people with type 2 diabetes — the ATTAIN-T2D study

This was a large Phase 3 clinical study. It included adults with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar was not well controlled with other medicines.^¹

Over 40 weeks, people taking the 12mg dose of Foundayo reduced their HbA1c by 1.51 percentage points more than people taking an inactive pill. HbA1c is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar over roughly three months.^¹

People taking the highest dose (36mg) reduced their HbA1c by 1.61 percentage points versus the inactive pill.^¹

Body weight also fell. People on the highest dose lost up to 7.9% of their starting body weight over 40 weeks.^¹

Around 58% of people on the highest dose reached an HbA1c below 7.0% — the target most doctors aim for in type 2 diabetes.^¹

“In a Phase 3 study, Foundayo reduced blood sugar (HbA1c) by up to 1.61 percentage points more than an inactive pill over 40 weeks — and reduced body weight by up to 7.9%.”

— ATTAIN-T2D Phase 3 Study¹

In people with obesity — the Phase 2 study

Important: This study was conducted in people with obesity who did not have type 2 diabetes. It was a Phase 2 study, which is an earlier stage of research than the diabetes trial above. Phase 2 studies are important but typically involve smaller numbers and shorter timeframes than Phase 3 trials.

Over 36 weeks, people taking Foundayo lost between 8.6% and 12.6% of their body weight. Those taking an inactive pill lost around 2%.^²

All doses of Foundayo produced significantly more weight loss than the inactive pill (p<0.001). The higher the dose, the more weight was lost.^²

These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine — one of the world’s most respected medical journals.^²

What this means in everyday terms: In this study, someone starting at 100kg could have lost between 8.6kg and 12.6kg over 36 weeks. But individual results vary. Your doctor will help you set realistic goals based on your own health.

−1.51%

HbA1c drop vs inactive pill in diabetes study

ATTAIN-T2D, 40 weeks¹

−7.9%

Body weight reduction in diabetes study

Highest dose, 40 weeks¹

Once

Daily tablet — no injection

No food restrictions

−12.6%

Body weight reduction in obesity study

Phase 2, 36 weeks²

How does Foundayo compare to Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Saxenda?

Many people in the UAE are already using injectable GLP-1 medicines. The most commonly used ones are Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Saxenda.

Important note on comparisons:

These medicines have not been tested directly against Foundayo in the same study. The numbers below come from each medicine’s own clinical trials — which involved different patient groups, doses, and study lengths. So treat these comparisons as a general guide, not a direct ranking.

	Foundayo (Orforglipron)	Ozempic (Semaglutide)	Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)	Saxenda (Liraglutide)
How you take it	Swallow a tablet	Injection once a week	Injection once a week	Injection once a day
How often	Once a day	Once a week	Once a week	Once a day
Needs a fridge	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Food restrictions at dose time	None	None	None	None
HbA1c improvement vs inactive pill (diabetes studies)	−1.51% to −1.61% (ATTAIN-T2D)¹	~−1.0% to −1.8% (SUSTAIN programme)³	~−2.0% to −2.3% vs semaglutide (SURPASS-2)⁴	~−1.0% to −1.3% (LEADER programme)⁵
Weight loss (key studies)	Up to −7.9% (diabetes study)¹ Up to −12.6% (obesity study, Phase 2)²	~3–6% (diabetes)³ ~−14.9% (obesity, Wegovy)⁶	~−15% to −21% (obesity, SURMOUNT-1)⁷	~−8.4% (obesity, SCALE)⁸
Heart safety study published?	Not yet published	Yes — SUSTAIN-6³	Yes — SURPASS-CVOT⁴	Yes — LEADER⁵
Available in UAE	Yes — Apr 2026	Yes	Yes	Yes

Foundayo vs Ozempic (semaglutide)

Ozempic is a weekly injection. It has a long track record. Studies in people with type 2 diabetes show it reduces HbA1c by around 1.0–1.8 percentage points and body weight by about 3–6% over 30–56 weeks.^³

A major heart study (SUSTAIN-6) showed Ozempic also reduced the risk of serious heart events in people with diabetes and existing heart disease.^³

Foundayo shows similar blood sugar results in its Phase 3 study. The main difference is how you take it — tablet versus injection. No heart outcomes study has been published for Foundayo yet.

Foundayo vs Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Mounjaro is a weekly injection. It works on two hormones — GLP-1 and GIP. Because of this double action, it produces greater weight loss than GLP-1-only medicines. In a large obesity study, people on Mounjaro lost between 15% and 21% of their body weight.^⁷

Foundayo works on one hormone only. So its weight loss results are lower than Mounjaro’s. But Foundayo is a tablet. For people who cannot tolerate injections or prefer oral medicine, Foundayo may still be a meaningful option.

Your doctor will help you weigh up the difference in results against the difference in how each medicine is taken.

Foundayo vs Saxenda (liraglutide)

Saxenda is a daily injection. It works on the same hormone as Foundayo — GLP-1. In a large study, people with obesity lost around 8.4% of their body weight over 56 weeks.^⁸

Foundayo’s Phase 2 obesity study showed weight loss of 8.6–12.6% over 36 weeks — broadly comparable, in a tablet form. However, these are Phase 2 versus Phase 3 data in different populations. Your doctor will interpret this in the context of your health.

For patients currently on Saxenda who find daily injections difficult, switching to a daily tablet may be worth discussing with your doctor.

Can I switch from my current injection to Foundayo?

No clinical study has specifically tested switching between GLP-1 medicines.

All guidance below is based on how these medicines work — not direct trial results. Never stop or change a prescription medicine without talking to your doctor first.

With that caution stated, here is what your doctor is likely to consider for each situation:

Switching from Ozempic to Foundayo

Both medicines work on the same hormone (GLP-1). A switch is medically logical. Your doctor will check your blood sugar is stable, plan the transition carefully, and monitor you in the first weeks.

Do not stop Ozempic or start Foundayo without a consultation first.

Switching from Mounjaro to Foundayo

Mounjaro works on two hormones. Foundayo works on one. If you switch, you may see less weight loss. But if injections are difficult for you, Foundayo may still be the right choice.

Your doctor will discuss the trade-offs honestly with you before making any change.

Switching from Saxenda to Foundayo

Both medicines work on the GLP-1 hormone. A switch from a daily injection to a daily tablet is medically reasonable. Your doctor will still monitor you closely during and after the change.

Which HealthHub doctors can prescribe Foundayo?

Foundayo is a prescription-only medicine. A licensed doctor must assess you before it can be dispensed.

At HealthHub, several different types of doctors can prescribe it. So you may be able to see the doctor you already visit.

Doctor type	Why they may prescribe Foundayo
Internal Medicine Doctor	Manages type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related conditions such as high blood pressure
Endocrinologist (hormone specialist)	Treats complex diabetes and hormone-related weight problems
Cardiologist (heart doctor)	Supports patients with diabetes who also have a high risk of heart disease
Gastroenterologist (gut specialist)	Manages fatty liver disease linked to obesity or diabetes
GP (General Practitioner)	Provides primary care for straightforward diabetes and weight management
Bariatric / Obesity Doctor	Specialises in medical weight loss for patients who prefer non-surgical options

This broad access means you do not need to start from scratch with a new specialist. If you already have a HealthHub doctor managing your health, they can discuss Foundayo with you directly.

How do I get Foundayo at HealthHub?

The process is simple. Here is what to expect at every step.

Step 1 Book a consultation

Call or book online at healthhub.ae. Let the team know you want to discuss Foundayo or weight and blood sugar management.

Step 2 See a HealthHub doctor

Your doctor reviews your health, blood results, weight, and current medicines. They confirm whether Foundayo is suitable for you.

Step 3 Get your prescription

If appropriate, your doctor issues a prescription on the same visit.

Step 4 Collect from HealthHub Pharmacy

Pick up your medicine at HealthHub Pharmacy — often in the same building. Our pharmacists explain how to take it correctly.

Step 5 Follow-up appointments

Your doctor sees you every 4–8 weeks at first. They check your results and adjust the dose if needed.

HealthHub Clinics and HealthHub Pharmacy are located across Dubai and the UAE. In most cases, you can see your doctor and pick up your medicine on the same day.

Is Foundayo safe? What are the side effects?

Like all medicines, Foundayo can cause side effects. The good news is that most people tolerate it well — especially when the dose starts low and goes up slowly.

Common side effects

The most common side effects affect the stomach and gut. These include:

Nausea (feeling sick)

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

Constipation

These effects were mostly mild to moderate in the clinical studies. They were most common in the early weeks while the body adjusted. They tended to improve over time.^¹,²

Starting on a low dose and slowly increasing it — which your HealthHub doctor manages — reduces how severe these effects are.

Does Foundayo cause low blood sugar?

No — not when used on its own. Foundayo only triggers insulin when blood sugar is already high. So it does not cause low blood sugar by itself.^¹⁰

However, if you also take insulin or certain other diabetes medicines, your doctor may lower those doses. This reduces the risk of low blood sugar when medicines are combined.

Who should not take Foundayo?

Foundayo is not right for everyone. Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

You or a close family member have had medullary thyroid cancer (a rare type of thyroid cancer)

You have a condition called MEN2 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2)

You have had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

You have severe kidney problems

Your HealthHub doctor will go through your full medical history before prescribing. This step protects your safety and makes sure Foundayo is appropriate for you.

Why does this matter for people in Dubai and the UAE?

Diabetes is very common in the UAE. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that around 15.8% of UAE adults — roughly 1 in 6 — are living with diabetes. That is among the highest rates in the world.^¹²

Overweight and obesity are also widespread. WHO data shows that approximately 71% of UAE adults are overweight and around 31% are classified as obese.^¹³

For many people, injections have been a practical barrier. Some dislike needles. Others travel often or have routines that make injections difficult.

Foundayo addresses that barrier. It offers the same type of treatment in a daily tablet. For people in the UAE who have been hesitant about injectable GLP-1 medicines, this is a genuinely new option.

That said — it is not right for everyone. A conversation with your HealthHub doctor is the best way to find out if it is right for you.

How to book at HealthHub

If you want to find out whether Foundayo is suitable for you, the next step is a consultation at any HealthHub Clinic.

Our doctors across Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Bariatric Medicine, and GP are all available to help. They will review your health and advise honestly on the right options for you.

Find Out If Foundayo Is Right for You

Foundayo is available now by prescription at HealthHub Clinics and HealthHub Pharmacy across Dubai and the UAE. One appointment is all it takes. Our doctors will assess your health and advise whether it is suitable for you.

Book a Consultation · healthhub.ae

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Foundayo?

Foundayo is the brand name for orforglipron — a once-daily oral GLP-1 medicine developed by Eli Lilly. It received UAE regulatory approval in April 2026. It is one of the first oral GLP-1 medicines available in the UAE. Speak to a HealthHub doctor to find out if it is suitable for your condition.

Is Foundayo a weight loss medicine or a diabetes medicine?

Clinical studies have looked at Foundayo in both people with type 2 diabetes and people with obesity. The approved indication in the UAE should be confirmed with your HealthHub doctor, as this determines what it can formally be prescribed for. Your doctor will advise based on your specific situation.

Is Foundayo the first oral GLP-1 medicine in the UAE?

Foundayo is one of the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonists to receive UAE regulatory approval. Another oral GLP-1 medicine (oral semaglutide, brand name Rybelsus) was approved previously, but it has strict food and water restrictions at the time of dosing. Foundayo has no such restrictions — you can take it at any time without special preparations.

Do I need a prescription for Foundayo?

Yes. Foundayo is a prescription-only medicine. A licensed doctor must assess you before it can be dispensed. HealthHub doctors across several specialties can do this in one appointment.

What do the studies show about weight loss on Foundayo?

In a Phase 3 diabetes study, people on Foundayo lost up to 7.9% of their body weight over 40 weeks. In an earlier-stage (Phase 2) obesity study — involving people without diabetes — weight loss ranged from 8.6% to 12.6% over 36 weeks versus around 2% with an inactive pill. Individual results vary. Your doctor will set realistic goals based on your health profile.

How does Foundayo compare to Ozempic?

Both medicines work on the same GLP-1 hormone and show similar blood sugar improvements in their respective studies. The key difference is how you take them. Ozempic is a weekly injection. Foundayo is a daily tablet. Ozempic also has published heart safety data (SUSTAIN-6 study). No equivalent heart study has been published for Foundayo yet. Your doctor will advise which suits you best.

Is Mounjaro more effective than Foundayo for weight loss?

Based on published studies, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) produces greater weight loss — up to 21% in its obesity study versus up to 12.6% for Foundayo in its Phase 2 obesity study. However, these are from separate studies with different patient groups, so a direct comparison must be treated with caution. Mounjaro is a weekly injection. Foundayo is a daily tablet. Your doctor will help you weigh up efficacy against convenience and your personal preferences.

Can I switch from Ozempic or Mounjaro to Foundayo?

Possibly — but only with your doctor’s guidance. No clinical study has specifically tested switching between these medicines. Any switch must be planned and supervised by your doctor. Never stop or change a prescription medicine on your own. Book a HealthHub consultation to discuss your options.

Will Foundayo cause low blood sugar?

Not on its own. Foundayo only triggers insulin when your blood sugar is already high. However, if you also take insulin or certain other diabetes medicines, your doctor may adjust those doses to reduce the risk of low blood sugar when combining treatments.

What are the most common side effects?

The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation. They are usually mild and happen most in the early weeks. Starting on a low dose and slowly increasing it — as your HealthHub doctor will manage — reduces how severe these effects are.

Which HealthHub doctors can prescribe Foundayo?

Several types of doctors at HealthHub can prescribe Foundayo: General Practitioners, Internal Medicine doctors, Endocrinologists, Cardiologists, Gastroenterologists, and Bariatric / Obesity Medicine doctors. You may be able to see the doctor who already manages your health.

Can I get my prescription and medicine from HealthHub in one visit?

Yes, in most cases. HealthHub Pharmacy is located at or near most HealthHub Clinic sites. After your consultation and prescription, you can usually collect Foundayo the same day. Our pharmacists will explain exactly how to take it and what to expect.

Medical References

All clinical data in this article is taken from peer-reviewed studies. Plain-language summaries are accurate representations of the published results. Readers are encouraged to consult original publications for full methodology and limitations.

Rosenstock J et al. Orforglipron in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes — ATTAIN-T2D Phase 3 Trial Results. New England Journal of Medicine / American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions, 2025.
Wharton S et al. Daily Oral GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Orforglipron for Adults with Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(10):877–888. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2301471 [Phase 2 trial]
Marso SP et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SUSTAIN-6). N Engl J Med. 2016;375(19):1834–1844. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1607141
Frías JP et al. Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SURPASS-2). N Engl J Med. 2021;385(6):503–515. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2107519
Marso SP et al. Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER). N Engl J Med. 2016;375(4):311–322. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1603827
Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP-1). N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989–1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1). N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205–216. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
Pi-Sunyer X et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE). N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11–22. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1411892
Pratley R et al. Oral Semaglutide versus Subcutaneous Semaglutide and Liraglutide (PIONEER 4). Lancet. 2019;394(10192):39–50. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31271-1
Holst JJ. The Physiology of Glucagon-like Peptide 1. Physiol Rev. 2007;87(4):1409–1439. doi:10.1152/physrev.00034.2006
Davies MJ et al. Management of Hyperglycaemia in Type 2 Diabetes, 2022. Consensus Report by ADA and EASD. Diabetologia. 2022;65:1925–1966.
International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 11th Edition. Brussels: IDF; 2023. Available at: diabetesatlas.org

13. World Health Organization. Global Health Observatory — Overweight and Obesity Prevalence. WHO; 2023. Available at: who.int/data/gho