UK becomes first in Europe to approve new once-daily weight loss pill

Britain's medicines regulator has today granted approval to orforglipron, marketed under the brand name Foundayo, positioning the UK as the first nation in Europe to greenlight this oral GLP-1 treatment for weight management and type 2 diabetes.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency confirmed the authorisation on Monday, marking a significant milestone for patients seeking alternatives to injectable weight-loss therapies.

The once-daily tablet has been cleared for use by adults living with obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater, as well as those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who also have at least one weight-related health condition.

The drug is intended to complement a reduced-calorie diet and greater physical activity, and is also approved for improving blood sugar control in adults whose type 2 diabetes remains insufficiently managed.

Dosing starts at 0.8 mg, rising incrementally through six levels up to a maximum of 17.2 mg, with patients spending at least four weeks at each stage.

Notably, the tablet may be taken at any point during the day without dietary or fluid restrictions.

Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said: "Following rigorous assessment of orforglipron's safety, quality, and effectiveness, we are pleased to be the first regulator in Europe to authorise this tablet for weight management and type 2 diabetes."

He added: "As with all GLP-1 receptor agonists, this is a prescription-only medication, and the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of orforglipron under close review."

The medication belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, functioning by replicating the effects of a hormone naturally produced in the gut following meals.

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By targeting brain regions responsible for appetite regulation, it promotes prolonged feelings of satiety while curbing hunger and food cravings, thereby supporting weight reduction.

For diabetic patients, the drug additionally helps lower elevated blood sugar levels.

The most frequently reported adverse effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort.

Despite receiving regulatory approval, the tablet is not yet accessible through the NHS.

Availability on the health service will depend on the outcome of an assessment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, in line with standard procedures for newly authorised treatments.

As a prescription-only medicine, orforglipron can solely be dispensed by a registered pharmacy following a doctor's prescription.

The MHRA has cautioned that obtaining GLP-1 medications from unregulated sources poses significant dangers to health.

Patients who experience suspected side effects are urged to consult their healthcare provider and submit a report via the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme.