The UK's first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss and weight management has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), offering an alternative to injections. Two groups of people in the UK could be eligible for this innovative treatment, potentially receiving Wegovy in pill form rather than via injection.
Approval and Eligibility
The MHRA gave the green light on June 11 for the tablet, which contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring gut hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and appetite. The use of GLP-1 inhibitors has surged in popularity due to their effectiveness in managing blood sugar in diabetic patients and aiding weight loss.
According to an update on GOV.UK, two groups of adults could be eligible for the pill:
- Those living with obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above.
- Those who are overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related comorbidity.
BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. The online NHS BMI calculator can be used for this purpose.
NHS Availability and Dosing
While the tablet is approved for use in the UK, it is not currently available via the NHS. Decisions on NHS use will follow established processes, including evaluation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The initial dose for the semaglutide tablet is 1.5 mg once daily, stepping up to 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg, with a minimum of one month at each dose level. Patients currently on a 2.4 mg semaglutide injection once weekly can switch directly to 25 mg tablets once daily.
Safety and Side Effects
Julian Beach, executive director of healthcare quality and access at the MHRA, stated: "Having met the MHRA's rigorous standards of safety, quality and effectiveness, the semaglutide tablet has been approved in the UK for weight loss and weight management. As with all GLP-1 receptor agonists, this is a prescription-only medication."
The most frequently reported side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. The MHRA keeps the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide under close review. Anyone experiencing side effects is urged to speak to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme via the website or the MHRA Yellow Card app.
