The United Arab Emirates is rapidly solidifying its position as a vanguard in global healthcare innovation, marked by the recent approval and initial deployment of a groundbreaking oral treatment for chronic weight management. This significant advancement offers renewed hope to millions grappling with obesity and critically bolsters the nation’s appeal as a premier healthcare destination for international patients.

Metabolic, formerly known as GluCare.Health, has announced its intention to provide early access to Eli Lilly’s newly US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved oral GLP-1 therapy, Foundayo (orforglipron). This strategic move positions Metabolic as the inaugural provider outside the US to offer this innovative treatment, underscoring its pivotal collaboration with Eli Lilly and amplifying the UAE’s burgeoning reputation as a hub for advanced medical therapies and cross-border healthcare solutions.

This development closely follows the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE)‘s formal registration of Foundayo on April 3, making the UAE only the second country globally to officially approve this innovative drug. From an industry perspective, this rapid regulatory adoption signifies a proactive national strategy to integrate cutting-edge treatments swiftly, enhancing the quality of care available within the country and, by extension, its attractiveness for medical tourism.

Foundayo: Revolutionizing Patient Adherence and Accessibility in Obesity Management

Foundayo represents a substantial leap forward in the landscape of obesity care. Unlike many traditional injectable GLP-1 therapies, this drug is formulated as a small molecule, non-peptide pill designed for once-daily ingestion, notably without specific restrictions on food, water, or administration timing. This innovative oral format is poised to dramatically enhance both treatment accessibility and patient adherence, particularly benefiting individuals who experience apprehension regarding needles or the prospect of long-term injectable regimens.

Dr Ihsan Almarzooqi, co-founder and Managing Director of Metabolic, highlighted the practical advantages of this new modality, stating, “By eliminating injection fatigue and reducing needle-related hesitation, Foundayo fits seamlessly into daily routines and travel. This makes the treatment psychologically and practically easier for many patients, while still delivering meaningful weight loss.”

Clinical trials have already yielded encouraging outcomes, demonstrating that participants receiving the highest dose of Foundayo achieved an average weight loss of 12.4 per cent when integrated with appropriate lifestyle modifications. This efficacy, combined with the convenience of an oral dosage, positions Foundayo as a compelling option for those seeking effective and patient-friendly solutions for chronic weight management, potentially attracting patient travel from regions with less advanced options.

The Emirates Drug Establishment’s Visionary Approach to Pharmaceutical Innovation

The Emirates Drug Establishment’s prompt approval of Foundayo unequivocally highlights the UAE’s unwavering commitment to expediting patient access to state-of-the-art medical treatments. This swift regulatory action is a critical component of the nation’s broader strategy to cultivate a world-class healthcare ecosystem.

Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, articulated the profound significance of this approval, remarking, “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.”

Al Kaabi further underscored that this initiative aligns seamlessly with national strategies aimed at fostering a sustainable, innovation-driven pharmaceutical environment, concurrently ensuring that patients benefit from rapid access to high-quality therapies, as reported by WAM. She elaborated, “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.” In our assessment, such proactive regulatory frameworks not only elevate the quality of care for residents but also significantly enhance the UAE’s reputation as a leading healthcare destination for international patients seeking cutting-edge treatments.

Bridging the Critical Gap in Long-Term Weight Management

While GLP-1 therapies have undeniably revolutionized obesity treatment in recent years, a persistent challenge remains: sustaining weight loss after discontinuing medication. Metabolic is strategically positioning Foundayo as a pivotal solution to this issue by integrating it into carefully structured, medically supervised care pathways, particularly for patients transitioning away from injectable treatments.

Dr Almarzooqi explained the chronic nature of obesity, stating, “Obesity is a chronic, multifaceted disease, and meaningful outcomes require more than initial weight loss.” He further noted the prevalent challenge of weight regain, adding, “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 proactively address this critical concern, Metabolic has meticulously developed protocols that incorporate microdosing and gradual down-titration strategies, specifically engineered to mitigate weight regain. Dr Almarzooqi emphasized this preventative approach, observing, “Without structured maintenance, which is often absent in traditional care, patients frequently drift back to baseline.” The introduction of Foundayo provides what clinicians describe as a critical “off-ramp,” enabling patients to seamlessly transition from intensive treatment phases into sustainable, long-term management protocols. This integrated approach elevates the standard of international patient care and offers a compelling reason for cross-border healthcare engagement.

Metabolic’s Holistic, Data-Driven Approach to Sustained Care

Metabolic’s patient care model transcends mere pharmacological intervention, integrating medicinal treatment with continuous monitoring and comprehensive behavioral support to optimize long-term outcomes. According to the company’s 2025 Outcomes Report, a notable 52.2 per cent of patients achieved over 10 per cent body weight loss after 12 months, concurrently demonstrating more effective preservation of muscle mass compared to conventional treatment approaches.

Dr Almarzooqi elucidated the significance of these findings, stating, “This is significant because most patients treated with prescription-only approaches regain weight and may experience muscle loss.” He underscored the complexity of the condition, asserting, “Obesity is a complex metabolic disease, not a willpower issue or cosmetic concern.” This integrated model, certified by ICHOM, ensures adherence to internationally recognized outcome standards while steadfastly prioritizing patient-centered care, a key differentiator for discerning international patients.

The program encompasses a multi-faceted approach, including:

  • Monthly GLP-1 dose adjustments based on real-time metabolic data
  • Continuous engagement across nutrition, behavioral, and clinical care disciplines
  • Frequent patient touch points strategically distributed throughout the year
  • Advanced data tracking and comprehensive quarterly health assessments

This integrated methodology aligns with extensive global research, which consistently demonstrates that structured, ongoing patient engagement significantly enhances treatment outcomes. For medical tourism, this comprehensive model offers a robust value proposition, appealing to those seeking truly holistic and sustained health improvements.

Expanding Access to Innovation and Setting New Benchmarks in Global Healthcare

The approval and subsequent rollout of Foundayo also mirror broader national endeavors to fortify healthcare delivery and foster innovation across the UAE. Roberta Marinelli, President and General Manager for Eli Lilly, META Hub, articulated the importance of diversifying treatment options for patients, noting, “The new once-daily oral treatment provides an additional option for people living with obesity, supporting disease management approaches.” She further remarked that the availability of Foundayo in the UAE will empower eligible patients to benefit from the very latest advancements in obesity care.

Health authorities have consistently emphasized the critical urgency of addressing obesity, primarily due to its strong epidemiological links to severe health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and various forms of cancer. With the strategic integration of oral GLP-1 therapies into structured care models, experts are of the opinion that the UAE is establishing a new benchmark for obesity treatment, not only within the region but also on the global stage. This proactive stance significantly strengthens the UAE’s appeal for health tourism and wellness tourism, positioning it as a leader in global healthcare solutions.

Dr Almarzooqi reiterated the transformative potential of the new therapy, concluding, “Foundayo is a hugely important addition to our toolbox. 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 anticipated to become accessible to eligible patients starting in May 2026, with initial supplies slated to arrive during the first week of the month.

Bottom Line

As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with escalating obesity rates, the UAE’s swift adoption of innovative therapies like Foundayo signals a forward-thinking and proactive strategy. This approach is poised to significantly reshape how chronic weight conditions are managed for years to come, further cementing the UAE’s status as a leading healthcare destination and a pioneer in medical tourism.

The news signal for this article was referred from: https://gulfbusiness.com/en/2026/health-care/new-weight-loss-pill-lands-in-uae-heres-what-you-need-to-know/