Lilly's weight loss pill debut

Clinical trials have shown that the once-daily pill, also known as orforglipron, is highly effective at regulating appetite and improving metabolic health.

The UAE is one of the first countries globally to approve the medication, which will be available by prescription starting in May.

Eli Lilly's CEO expressed disappointment that only a small fraction of eligible patients currently have access to GLP-1 therapies, citing cost and supply chain hurdles.

Competitors like Novo Nordisk are also racing to develop oral versions of their popular weight loss treatments to meet surging global demand.