The UK has approved orforglipron, a new once-daily oral medication for weight management and type 2 diabetes, marking a first in Europe. The drug offers a convenient alternative to existing treatments and is subject to NHS evaluation before wider availability.
The UK has become the first country in Europe to approve orforglipron, a once-daily weight-loss tablet that also carries an indication for type 2 diabetes, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The medicine, to be marketed as Foundayo, is a prescription-only GLP-1 treatment intended to be used with a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity for adults with obesity or overweight linked to at least one weight-related condition.
The MHRA said the tablet has been cleared for adults with a body mass index of 30 or above, or 27 to 30 where there is at least one major health issue related to weight. It is also authorised for people with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes. Julian Beach, the agency’s executive director of healthcare quality and access, said the regulator had carried out a rigorous assessment of the drug’s safety, quality and effectiveness and would continue to monitor it closely.
Orforglipron works by copying the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone released after eating that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. Clinical information compiled by the Mayo Clinic and the US National Centre for Biotechnology Information describes it as an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist that can reduce hunger and food intake, while also helping lower glucose levels in people with diabetes. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, indigestion and stomach pain, with broader medical references also warning of more serious risks that warrant medical review.
The drug is taken once a day and can be used without food or water restrictions, unlike Wegovy tablets, which must be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water and followed by a waiting period before eating, drinking or taking other medicines. Orforglipron starts at 0.8 mg and is stepped up gradually through 2.5 mg, 5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg and 17.2 mg, with at least a month at each dose. The MHRA said NHS use will depend on the usual appraisal process, including a review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and stressed that the medicine is not yet available on the NHS. It also warned against buying GLP-1 drugs from unregulated sellers.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
