As an alternative to injections, Emirates Pharmaceuticals adopts the Orforgliprone-Fondayo product to treat obesity.

The Emirates Pharmaceutical Corporation has approved the product Orforgliliprone “Fundio™”, which is an innovative oral treatment to reduce weight gain (obesity), making the UAE the second country in the world to issue marketing approval for this drug, produced by the international pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. The approval of this drug comes within the framework of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to provide innovative, advanced treatments with high therapeutic value, especially those that transform traditional treatment patterns, by providing oral alternatives that replace injections and improve the disease experience, in addition to accelerating the arrival of global pharmaceutical innovations to the Emirati community, in line with the country’s trends towards developing a pioneering pharmaceutical sector based on efficiency, innovation and sustainability.

Orforgliprone is a stimulator of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors and is taken orally once daily without restrictions related to eating or drinking water, to help with weight loss and reduce chronic weight gain. This innovative medicine supports patients in the long term in regulating appetite and reducing food intake in large quantities, in integration with a comprehensive program that focuses on changing lifestyle and enhancing general health.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Pharmaceutical Corporation, said: “The adoption of the treatment (Orforgliprone) in the UAE, as the second country in the world, is an important step that embodies the UAE’s continued commitment and leadership in adopting the latest innovations in the pharmaceutical sector, especially for those who suffer from excessive weight gain.”

She added: “This approval reflects the organization’s keenness to support an integrated and sustainable pharmaceutical system, based on innovation and enhancing integration with its partners in the pharmaceutical sector, and to continue working in accordance with the highest global regulatory standards to ensure the provision of qualitative treatments and in record time, enhance prevention, and support the sustainability of the national pharmaceutical system, in a way that contributes to preserving the health of society.”

Al Kaabi explained that the approval of the drug is based on the results of clinical studies that proved the effectiveness of the treatment and the response of patients to it, stressing that reducing excessive obesity is a priority for the Emirates Drug Foundation, given its association with an increased risk of developing more than 200 diseases and health complications, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, in addition to at least 13 different types of cancer.

For her part, Roberta Marinelli, President and General Manager of the Middle East, Turkey and Africa Region at Lilly, said:
A new once-daily oral treatment provides an additional option for people with obesity, supporting disease management. She pointed out that the availability of this treatment in the UAE, following its approval by the Emirates Drug Foundation, allows eligible patients to benefit from it among the available treatment options.

During clinical trials, Orforgliprone showed remarkable results, represented by a significant weight loss when used in conjunction with lifestyle modification instructions, as participants who received the highest dose recorded an average weight loss of 12.4%. Orforgliprone is expected to be available to eligible patients beginning in May 2026.