New Weight Loss Pill Approved in UK Amid High Demand for Obesity Treatments

A new weight loss medication, orforglipron, has received approval in the United Kingdom, eight weeks after the introduction of the Wegovy tablet. Orforglipron, also known as Foundayo, was approved by UK drug officials following clinical trials that demonstrated an average weight loss of 12% of body weight over 16 months. For comparison, trials for the Wegovy pill indicated a weight loss of 17% over 14 months.

Both orforglipron and Wegovy are GLP-1 agonists, a class of drugs that mimic a hormone to signal fullness to the brain, thereby reducing appetite. Orforglipron is manufactured by Eli Lilly, the same company behind Mounjaro. The new oral drug is a tablet version of a once-weekly slimming injection and is currently available only through private providers, not the National Health Service (NHS).

Eligibility for these medications requires a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with a weight-related health condition, mirroring the criteria for Wegovy. The introduction of orforglipron is expected to further intensify demand for weight loss medications, with private pharmacies already reporting waiting lists totaling 100,000.

How the Medications Work and Their Effectiveness

Both Wegovy and orforglipron work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which is released after eating. This process reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness. Clinical trials suggest that the injectable form of Wegovy can lead to a higher percentage of weight loss, up to 20.7% at the highest dose, compared to the Wegovy pill's 17% over 14 months. Orforglipron at its highest dose resulted in an average weight loss of just under two stone (approximately 12%) over 16 months.

The Wegovy pill is taken once daily on an empty stomach with water. Dosing typically starts at 1.5mg and can be escalated to a maximum of 25mg, with patients remaining on each dose for at least one month. Orforglipron also follows a dose escalation schedule, with maintenance doses ranging from 6mg to 36mg daily, depending on individual patient response. Patients already on the Wegovy injection (2.4mg) can transition directly to the 25mg tablet form.

Side Effects and Patient Considerations

Like other GLP-1 medications, both orforglipron and Wegovy can cause side effects, predominantly gastrointestinal in nature. These can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Clinical trials for Wegovy indicated that approximately 74% of users reported such issues, although a significant percentage (42%) in the placebo group also experienced similar complaints. Nausea was the most frequently reported symptom and was generally transient, often not leading to discontinuation.

Orforglipron has also been associated with mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects. Nausea affected about a third of patients in trials, with bowel complaints reported by one-fifth to one-quarter. Vomiting occurred in about 25% of patients on the highest dose. More serious, though rare, complications can include gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, and kidney issues. Patients are advised to seek medical attention for severe symptoms.

Availability and Cost

Neither orforglipron nor the Wegovy pill have been approved for NHS use, meaning they are currently accessible only through licensed private retailers. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has not yet received a submission from Wegovy manufacturer Novo Nordisk. However, discussions regarding potential NHS rollout are anticipated, with pricing being a key factor.

Patients eligible for prescriptions will need to consult private providers. Major high street pharmacies like Boots and Superdrug, along with online providers such as Numan, Simple Online Healthcare, Juniper, and Voy, are expected to offer the Wegovy pill. Availability of orforglipron from these providers is not yet fully confirmed.

Waiting lists for the Wegovy pill have already grown substantially. Simple Online Healthcare reported over 60,000 people on its waiting list, with prices starting around £99 per month. Voy offers the drug starting at £79 per month. In comparison, private prescriptions for the injectable Wegovy typically range from £90 to £300 monthly. Experts anticipate a surge in demand for oral weight loss medications, as an estimated 1.6 million adults in the UK already use weight-loss injections, and an additional 3.3 million are considering them. Polling suggests around one in five potential users are deterred by a fear of needles, making the oral tablet option particularly appealing.