A new daily pill that treats diabetes and supports weight loss is now available in UK pharmacies from Monday, August 24. Pharmacists have described the move as “particularly significant” for people who cannot use weight loss injections, while also warning about fake, unlicensed or counterfeit versions of GLP-1 tablets.
First in Europe
Orforglipron, marketed as Foundayo and made by American pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly, was authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) earlier this month. The UK is the first country in Europe to approve the pill.
Eli Lilly said it is also working with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on its assessment of Foundayo for a potential rollout in the NHS in England. The drug is licensed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have at least one weight-related condition.
Dosage and availability
The pill can also be used to improve blood sugar levels in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. It is taken once a day, at any time, with no food or water restrictions. Dosage starts at 0.8mg and increases to 2.5mg, 5.5mg, 9mg, 14.5mg and 17.2mg, with patients spending at least one month at each level.
Khalil Asmar, vice-president of cardiometabolic health at Lilly Northern Europe, said: “The UK is the first country in Europe where Foundayo is now available. We’re pleased that this means there is another oral treatment option for eligible UK patients alongside licensed injectable treatments.”
Safety warning and NHS access
Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “This is another significant day with a second weight loss pill available from today in certain pharmacies. This is particularly significant for patients who cannot or do not want to take an injectable medicine and could make weight loss treatment available to a wider range of patients.
“It is easier for criminals to provide fake, unlicensed or counterfeit versions of oral medications than injectables and patients must make sure they only access weight loss treatments through safe and regulated pharmacies. There must now be a redoubling of efforts within Government and the NHS to use pharmacies to make sure more eligible patients in clinical need can get weight loss treatments on the NHS, rather than the current postcode lottery that exists for weight management services via GPs.”
The MHRA approved the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss, a tablet form of Wegovy, in June.
