New weight-loss pill lands in UAE: Here’s what you need to know
Unlike traditional injectable GLP-1 therapies, the drug is a small molecule, non-peptide pill taken once daily, with no restrictions on food, water, or timing
06 April, 2026
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The UAE is positioning itself at the forefront of global healthcare innovation following the approval and early rollout of a groundbreaking oral treatment for chronic weight management, offering new hope to millions living with obesity.
Metabolic (formerly GluCare.Health) announced it will provide early access to Eli Lilly’s newly approved oral GLP-1 therapy, Foundayo (orforglipron), shortly after receiving approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The move makes Metabolic the first provider outside the US to offer the treatment, highlighting both its strategic partnership with Eli Lilly and the UAE’s growing status as a hub for advanced medical therapies.
The development comes just days after the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) formally approved Foundayo on April 3, making the UAE the second country globally to register the innovative drug.
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Foundayo represents a major leap forward in obesity care. Unlike traditional injectable GLP-1 therapies, the drug is a small molecule, non-peptide pill taken once daily, with no restrictions on food, water, or timing.
This shift from injections to an oral format is expected to dramatically improve accessibility and patient adherence, particularly among those hesitant about needles or long-term injectable treatments.
“By eliminating injection fatigue and reducing needle-related hesitation, Foundayo fits seamlessly into daily routines and travel,” said Dr Ihsan Almarzooqi, co-founder and MD of Metabolic. “This makes the treatment psychologically and practically easier for many patients, while still delivering meaningful weight loss.”
Clinical trials have already demonstrated promising results, with participants receiving the highest dose achieving an average weight loss of 12.4 per cent when combined with lifestyle modifications.
UAE among first to approve innovative therapy
The Emirates Drug Establishment’s swift approval underscores the country’s commitment to accelerating access to cutting-edge treatments.
Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, director-general of the Emirates Drug Establishment, described the approval as a milestone moment. “The UAE’s approval of Orforglipron, being the second country in the world, is a significant step demonstrating the nation’s commitment to adopting the latest pharmaceutical innovations, particularly for people living with obesity,” she said.
Al Kaabi emphasised that the move aligns with national strategies to build a sustainable, innovation-driven pharmaceutical ecosystem while ensuring patients gain rapid access to high-quality therapies, a WAM report said.
She added: “The establishment is committed to supporting an integrated and sustainable pharmaceutical ecosystem based on innovation and strengthened collaboration with its partners across the pharmaceutical sector. We will continue to operate according to the highest global regulatory standards to ensure the availability of high-quality treatments within accelerated timeframes.”
Bridging a critical gap in long-term weight management
While GLP-1 therapies have transformed obesity treatment in recent years, maintaining weight loss after stopping medication remains a major challenge.
Metabolic is positioning Foundayo as a key solution to this issue by integrating it into structured, medically supervised care pathways, particularly for patients transitioning off injectable treatments.
“Obesity is a chronic, multifaceted disease, and meaningful outcomes require more than initial weight loss,” Dr Almarzooqi explained.
“Real-world evidence shows most patients struggle to maintain weight loss after intensive injectable therapy, with up to 70 per cent regaining weight after stopping GLP-1s.”
To address this, Metabolic has developed protocols involving microdosing and gradual down-titration strategies, designed to prevent weight regain.
“Without structured maintenance, which is often absent in traditional care, patients frequently drift back to baseline,” he noted.
The introduction of Foundayo provides what clinicians describe as a critical “off-ramp,” allowing patients to transition from intensive treatment phases into sustainable, long-term management.
A holistic, data-driven approach to care
Metabolic’s model goes beyond medication, combining pharmacological treatment with continuous monitoring and behavioral support to improve long-term outcomes.
According to the company’s 2025 Outcomes Report, 52.2 per cent of patients lost more than 10 per cent of their body weight after 12 months, while also preserving muscle mass more effectively than conventional approaches.
“This is significant because most patients treated with prescription-only approaches regain weight and may experience muscle loss,” Dr Almarzooqi said. “Obesity is a complex metabolic disease, not a willpower issue or cosmetic concern.”
The program incorporates:
- Monthly GLP-1 dose adjustments based on real-time metabolic data
- Continuous engagement across nutrition, behavioral, and clinical care
- Frequent patient touch points throughout the year
- Advanced data tracking and quarterly health assessments
This integrated approach aligns with global research showing that structured, ongoing engagement significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Expanding access to innovation in the UAE
The approval and rollout of Foundayo also reflect broader national efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and innovation.
Eli Lilly’s regional leadership highlighted the importance of expanding treatment options for patients.
Roberta Marinelli, president and general manager for Eli Lilly, META Hub, said the therapy represents a meaningful addition to obesity care.
“The new once-daily oral treatment provides an additional option for people living with obesity, supporting disease management approaches,” she said, noting that availability in the UAE will allow eligible patients to benefit from the latest advancements.
Health authorities have also stressed the urgency of tackling obesity due to its strong links to serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and multiple forms of cancer.
With the integration of oral GLP-1 therapies into structured care models, experts believe the UAE is setting a new benchmark for obesity treatment in the region.
Metabolic, an ICHOM-certified provider, says its approach ensures adherence to internationally recognized outcome standards while prioritizing patient-centered care.
“Foundayo is a hugely important addition to our toolbox,” Dr Almarzooqi said. “When combined with structured care and continuous engagement, it enables patients to preserve their progress and achieve sustained outcomes, raising the standard for obesity management in the region.”
The treatment is expected to become available to eligible patients starting May 2026, with initial supplies arriving in the first week of the month.
As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with rising obesity rates, the UAE’s rapid adoption of innovative therapies like Foundayo signals a proactive approach, one that could reshape how chronic weight conditions are treated for years to come.
