UAE authority approves new oral obesity treatment to be available from May

UAE residents may soon have access to a new weight management option that does not require injections, after the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) approved an oral treatment for chronic obesity.

The medication, Orforglipron, is a once-daily tablet designed to support weight reduction by regulating appetite and reducing excessive food intake. It can be taken without restrictions related to food or water, offering a more convenient alternative to injectable treatments.

Developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, the drug has been approved in the UAE, making it the second country in the world to register the treatment.

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The approval is part of EDE’s efforts to provide advanced and innovative therapies that improve patient experience and expand access to treatment options. The move also aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of building a pharmaceutical sector based on innovation, efficiency and sustainability.

According to the authority, the treatment is intended to support patients over the long term as part of a comprehensive programme that includes lifestyle modification and overall health improvement.

Orforglipron belongs to a class of medicines known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which help regulate appetite and support weight management.

Clinical trial results showed promising outcomes, with participants receiving the highest dose recording an average weight loss of 12.4 per cent.

The treatment is expected to become available to eligible patients in the UAE starting May 2026.

Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said the approval reflects the UAE’s commitment to adopting the latest pharmaceutical innovations, particularly for people living with obesity.

She added that the authority will continue to support an integrated and sustainable pharmaceutical ecosystem, while ensuring the availability of high-quality treatments within accelerated timeframes.

Al Kaabi also said that addressing obesity remains a priority due to its link to more than 200 diseases and health complications, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and several types of cancer.

Roberta Marinelli, president and general manager for Eli Lilly, META Hub, said the new once-daily oral treatment provides an additional option for people living with obesity and supports disease management approaches.

"Making the treatment available in the UAE enables eligible patients to benefit from it as part of existing treatment options," she said.