The NHS has announced a significant new option for patients with diabetes starting this Monday. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorised orforglipron, branded as Foundayo, making the UK the first country in Europe to approve this novel GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for the management of weight and type 2 diabetes.
This oral medication will be available in UK pharmacies from Monday. Khalil Asmar, vice-president of cardiometabolic health at Lilly Northern Europe, stated, “The UK is the first country in Europe where Foundayo is now available. We are pleased that this means there is another oral treatment option for eligible UK patients alongside licensed injectable treatments.”
Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, highlighted the impact of this development, saying, “Today marks another significant milestone with a second weight loss pill now available in certain pharmacies. This is particularly important for patients who cannot or choose not to use injectable medicines, potentially widening access to weight-loss treatments.”
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Gregg also urged for increased efforts, noting, “There must now be a redoubling of efforts within government and the NHS to utilise pharmacies in ensuring more eligible patients in clinical need can access weight loss treatments on the NHS, rather than facing a postcode lottery with weight management services through GPs.”
Earlier this year, in June, the MHRA approved the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss, which is an oral tablet form of Wegovy. Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, commented, “Following rigorous assessment of orforglipron’s safety, quality and effectiveness, we are proud to be the first regulator in Europe to authorise this tablet for weight management and type 2 diabetes. As with all GLP-1 receptor agonists, it remains a prescription-only medication, and the MHRA will continue to monitor its safety and effectiveness closely.”
As with all new treatments, decisions regarding the use of orforglipron on the NHS will follow established evaluation processes.