Scotland-based health regulators have authorised orforglipron, a first-of-its-kind daily GLP-1 tablet, promising new options for adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes in the UK, subject to further NHS evaluation.
Scotland-based health regulators have authorised a new daily weight-loss tablet that they say could widen treatment options for adults with obesity and some people with type 2 diabetes. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said on Monday that orforglipron, sold as Foundayo, has been approved for use in the UK and is the first GLP-1 tablet for weight management and diabetes to be cleared in Europe.
The drug is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. According to the MHRA, it can be prescribed for adults with a body mass index of 30 or above, or for those with a BMI between 27 and 30 if they have at least one weight-related health condition. It is also authorised to help improve blood sugar control in people whose type 2 diabetes is not adequately controlled.
Julian Beach, the MHRA’s executive director of healthcare quality and access, said the agency had carried out a rigorous assessment of the medicine’s safety, quality and effectiveness. He added that, like all GLP-1 receptor agonists, it would remain prescription-only and be kept under close review. The regulator also said any future NHS use would depend on the usual assessment process, including review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Orforglipron is taken once a day and, unlike some other weight-loss tablets, can be taken at any time without food or water restrictions. The MHRA said treatment starts at 0.8mg and is stepped up over time. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, indigestion and abdominal pain, while more serious reactions can include symptoms that should be reported to a doctor. The regulator warned that the medicine is not currently available on the NHS and said people should avoid 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.
