Eli Lilly Wins UK Approval for Oral Weight-Loss Pill Foundayo as Biotech Sector Sees Wave of Catalysts

Eli Lilly's oral weight-loss pill orforglipron, branded Foundayo, secured its first European regulatory approval in Britain on August 10, extending the drug's commercial footprint beyond the United States where it launched earlier in 2026. The UK clearance intensifies Lilly's competition with Novo Nordisk, whose oral Wegovy pill had previously won British approval ahead of Foundayo. In other notable biotech activity the same day, AbCellera Biologics reported positive Phase 2 topline results for ABCL635, a once-monthly injectable being evaluated for moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause.

The randomized, double-blind trial of 92 postmenopausal women achieved its primary endpoints, showing statistically significant reductions in both the frequency and severity of hot flashes at week four after a single dose versus placebo, with additional improvements in sleep also observed. Shares of AbCellera surged roughly 22 percent on the news, which Benzinga described as setting a new efficacy benchmark for the indication. Silence Therapeutics launched a $150 million American Depositary Share offering, adding to capital markets activity in the sector.

Aquestive Therapeutics said it is preparing to resubmit its severe allergy treatment Anaphylm to the FDA following the completion of required studies, targeting a Q3 2026 resubmission after a Complete Response Letter earlier in the year cited deficiencies limited to packaging and administration. Alamar Biosciences posted second-quarter revenue of $29.4 million, beating consensus by $3.46 million, with GAAP EPS of negative $0.22 topping estimates by $0.11.