'Holy grail' of weight loss pills is available in UK pharmacies from today
An alternative to the jabs, orforglipron is now available in UK pharmacies.
Known as Foundayo, the weight loss pill comes from the manufactures of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly and Company.
The daily tablet is already available over in the US and it’s been tipped as the ‘holy grail’ of weight loss drugs.
Helping to treat diabetes and help with weight loss, the availability of the GLP-1 medication in the UK is described as ‘particularly significant’ by pharmacists for those who cannot use the injections.
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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorised orforglipron earlier this month with the UK the first country in Europe to give it the green light.
This roll out today (23 August) comes a little earlier than previously expected too, as it was thought it wouldn’t be available until 2027.
Pharmacists have of course also issued a warning over fake, unlicensed or counterfeit versions of the daily weight loss pill.
And while it is only available in UK pharmacies from today, Eli Lilly has also said it’s working with the NHS spending watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, on its assessment of Foundayo for a potential rollout on the English health service.
The medication is licensed for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or those with a BMI of between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related condition.
And like the jabs, Foundayo can also be used to improve blood sugars in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
While the injections are taken weekly, the pill is taken once a day, at any time, with no food or water restrictions.
Its dosage begins at 0.8mg, climbing to 2.5mg, 5.5mg, 9mg, 14.5mg and 17.2mg with patients to spend a minimum of one month at each dosage 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.”
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.”
Pharmacist’s comment
Danielle Brightman, a qualified Pharmacist and Clinical Director at GLP-1 provider Numan told LADbible that the rollout is a ‘significant moment’ in how ‘we tackle obesity’.
“While injectable GLP-1 medicines have transformed outcomes for many patients, we know there are also people who would prefer an oral treatment that fits more easily into their daily routine. Orforglipron offers that flexibility, with no fasting requirements or restrictions on food or water,” she said.
“For some patients, removing those practical barriers could make it easier to start treatment and remain engaged over the long term.
“The approval is also important from a longer-term weight management perspective. We are increasingly seeing patients who have achieved successful weight loss with injectable medications are looking for ways to maintain their progress without continuing injections. Emerging evidence suggests oral treatments such as orforglipron could provide an additional option for those individuals.
“Greater choice can help improve access and better meet the diverse needs of people living with obesity. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that obesity is a complex, chronic condition. The best and most sustainable outcomes are achieved when treatment is combined with appropriate clinical oversight, behavioural support and personalised care."
Always seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Jess Battison