Foundayo: A new oral GLP-1

Key takeaways

• In April 2026, the FDA approved a new oral GLP-1 called Foundayo. This is specifically used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one other weight-related condition.
• One of the key benefits of Foundayo compared to other GLP-1 pills is that it can be taken with food or water at any time of day.
• Your insurance may cover Foundayo depending on your specific plan. The drug’s manufacturer also offers savings options for many patients.

Overview

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) for diabetes and weight management are becoming increasingly widespread, and in the past, they were most commonly available in injectable form. This form isn’t preferable for everyone as it involves giving yourself an injection, which can be unpleasant.

However, oral pill forms of GLP-1s are becoming more common.

In April 2026, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new oral GLP-1 medication called Foundayo for adults with obesity or for adults with overweight and other weight-related medical conditions.

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What is Foundayo?

Foundayo is a GLP-1 medication that contains the active ingredient orforglipron. This is a new medication developed by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer behind Zepbound and Mounjaro.

Foundayo is approved for weight management in adults with obesity and adults with overweight who also have at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It will typically be prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Clinical trials found that Foundayo is effective for weight loss, with people taking Foundayo losing an average of 25 pounds, or 11.1% of their body weight. It also reduced risks to cardiovascular health by reducing markers like waist circumference, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Is Foundayo different from other oral GLP-1s?

There are currently two other oral GLP-1s on the market: Rybelsus and Wegovy. Both have some key differences from Foundayo.

For example, both of these are drugs called peptides that are very sensitive to your stomach acid, which is why you must take them on an empty stomach. Foundayo, on the other hand, is a “small-molecule” drug that isn’t digested in the same way as other drugs. This means it can be taken at whatever time is convenient for you.

Let’s take a look at the main differences between these 3 oral GLP-1s.

Is Foundayo covered by insurance?

Whether Foundayo is covered by your insurance depends on your specific plan. Many private plans are adding weight loss medications to their formularies, but you’ll likely need to meet specific criteria for coverage: namely, a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with another weight-related condition like high blood pressure.

In some cases, your insurer may ask for prior authorization before approving Foundayo. This usually involves your doctor submitting proof that the treatment is medically necessary. You may also need to show that you’ve tried other, cheaper treatments first.

If insurance does cover Foundayo, you can also use the Foundayo savings card to get the drug for $25 per month. For people without insurance or if your claim is denied, Foundayo is available through LillyDirect starting at $149 per month for the lowest dose and up to $349 for the maintenance dose.

Is Foundayo covered by Medicare or Medicaid?

Starting in July 2026, Medicare may begin covering weight loss medications like Foundayo. However, coverage for weight-loss medications remains optional for state Medicaid programs and will likely vary by state.

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Summary

On April 1, 2026, the FDA approved a new oral GLP-1 called Foundayo. This drug is specifically for weight management and contains the active ingredient orforglipron.

Unlike other GLP-1 pills, Foundayo can be taken with food and water at any time of day. It may be a good alternative for people who don’t want to inject GLP-1s for weight management.

It may be covered by insurance in many cases. Check with your insurer and speak with a healthcare professional for more advice.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Disclaimer: While Optum Perks strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses.