What orforglipron is
The MHRA describes orforglipron as a GLP-1 receptor agonist taken as a tablet once a day, at any time of day, with no food or water restrictions. It says the medicine acts on areas of the brain that regulate appetite, and that the most common side effects are nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, indigestion and abdominal pain. It is prescription-only where it is approved.
Where it is approved
The US Food and Drug Administration lists Foundayo (orforglipron) among its 2026 novel drug approvals, dated 1 April 2026, to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction in adults with obesity, or with overweight and at least one weight-related condition, alongside diet and physical activity. On 10 August 2026 the MHRA authorised it in the UK for weight loss and weight maintenance in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 to 30 with at least one weight-related condition, and for type 2 diabetes. The MHRA said the UK was the first country in Europe to approve it and that it was not available through the NHS at that point.
Where the EU review stands
The EMA's list of applications for new medicines under evaluation, with data extracted on 5 October 2026, includes orforglipron for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes in adults. It records the evaluation starting on 22 January 2026 and restarting after the committee's list of questions on 20 July 2026. The EMA removes a medicine from this list once its committee gives an opinion or the application is withdrawn. An EU authorisation would also need a European Commission decision. We found no published date for either, so when it might be approved in the EU is unknown.
Can you get it in Ireland now?
It has no EU marketing authorisation, and a UK or US approval does not create one. The HPRA says it is illegal to sell prescription medicines online in Ireland and that buying them is dangerous, so treat any website offering orforglipron or Foundayo to people in Ireland with caution. Ask a prescriber which authorised medicines may suit you.
The GLP-1 tablet that is authorised in the EU
Wegovy tablets (oral semaglutide) are already part of Wegovy's EU authorisation, for adults only. The EMA says they are taken once a day on an empty stomach after at least 8 hours of fasting, waiting 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other medicines. That differs from the any-time dosing the MHRA describes for orforglipron. Our Wegovy pill guide covers who it is for and where it stands in Ireland.
How to follow the EU decision
Check the EMA's medicines-under-evaluation list each month and its committee meeting highlights for an opinion on orforglipron. A committee opinion, a Commission decision, an Irish launch and pharmacy stock are four separate steps. This page is dated at the top; check the EMA list for anything newer.