Indianapolis, Indiana, USA – May 22, 2026
Eli Lilly and Company announced new clinical analysis from the Phase 3 ATTAIN-1 and ATTAIN-2 trials demonstrating that Foundayo™ (orforglipron), a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, achieved up to 13% body weight reduction in adults aged 65 years and older with obesity or overweight. The findings, presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2026 in Istanbul, highlight the growing potential of oral obesity medicines to address weight management in aging populations while improving convenience and accessibility for patients unable or unwilling to use injectable therapies.
The latest analysis showed that Foundayo, currently the only approved GLP-1 pill that can be taken without food or water restrictions, produced statistically significant reductions in body weight across all tested doses compared with placebo over a 72-week treatment period. Researchers noted that efficacy outcomes were consistent among adults both with and without type 2 diabetes, supporting the drug’s potential use across a broad obesity patient population.
Foundayo Delivers Significant Weight Reduction in Older Adults
In the ATTAIN-1 study, which evaluated adults with obesity or overweight without type 2 diabetes, patients aged 65 years and older receiving the highest approved dose of Foundayo (17.2 mg) achieved an average body weight reduction of 13%, compared with only 1.6% in the placebo group after 72 weeks. Similar benefits were observed in younger participants, reinforcing the consistency of the therapy’s performance across age groups.
The companion ATTAIN-2 trial, involving adults with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes, also demonstrated clinically meaningful weight reduction. Older adults receiving the highest dose of Foundayo experienced approximately 12.2% body weight reduction, compared with 2.3% in placebo-treated participants. Investigators emphasized that these outcomes may help address growing healthcare concerns surrounding obesity-related cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mobility decline, and metabolic complications in aging populations.
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Lilly executives highlighted that the convenience of a once-daily oral pill without dietary timing restrictions may significantly improve adherence among older patients. Unlike injectable GLP-1 therapies that often require meal coordination or administration training, Foundayo can be taken any time of day without water or food limitations, simplifying long-term obesity management strategies.
Safety Profile and Convenience Drive Interest in Oral GLP-1 Therapy
According to pooled safety data from both ATTAIN studies, Foundayo’s safety profile remained generally consistent across age groups and aligned with the broader GLP-1 drug class. The most commonly reported adverse events included gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Researchers noted that serious adverse events were slightly higher in adults aged 65 years and older but remained within expected ranges for obesity medicine clinical trials.
Industry experts believe the emergence of effective oral GLP-1 therapies could dramatically reshape the global obesity treatment landscape. While injectable GLP-1 medicines have transformed obesity care in recent years, many patients continue seeking easier administration options that fit daily lifestyles. Analysts view Foundayo as one of the most significant oral obesity drug launches due to its simplified dosing and broad therapeutic potential.
Lilly also announced that beginning July 1, 2026, eligible Medicare beneficiaries will gain access to Foundayo through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program with an estimated monthly copay of $50, potentially expanding access among older adults who represent one of the fastest-growing obesity patient populations in the United States.
Oral Obesity Medicines Continue Transforming Metabolic Healthcare
Obesity remains one of the world’s fastest-growing chronic health conditions, contributing to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea. Pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in next-generation obesity therapeutics as demand for more accessible and patient-friendly treatments accelerates globally.
Beyond obesity management, Lilly stated that Foundayo is currently being evaluated in additional clinical studies for type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis knee pain, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, and stress urinary incontinence. Analysts believe the expanding clinical development program may position oral GLP-1 therapies as a major long-term growth segment within the pharmaceutical industry.
With obesity medicine rapidly becoming one of the most competitive therapeutic areas worldwide, positive long-term efficacy data in older adults could further strengthen Lilly’s position in the evolving metabolic disease market and increase adoption of oral GLP-1 therapies among healthcare providers and patients alike.
Source: Eli Lilly press release
