The United Kingdom has seen the launch of the first oral version of the GLP-1 weight-loss drug, Wegovy, sparking a competitive market among healthcare providers and a surge in patient demand. Some online pharmacies are offering initial one-month supplies for as low as £60 as they vie for market share following the drug's official release on Monday.
Pharmacy leaders report 'unprecedented' demand for the tablets, which have been shown to aid patients in losing approximately 17% of their body weight over a 64-week period. Eligibility for the medication includes adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classified as obese, as well as individuals with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have a weight-related health condition.
While approved by health regulators last month, Wegovy is not yet available through the National Health Service (NHS) and is currently accessible only via private providers. ASDA pharmacy alone has received over 7,000 orders since the launch.
This new daily pill offers an alternative to the existing Wegovy injections, which are administered weekly and are used by approximately 2.5 million people in the UK. The convenience of a tablet form is generating significant interest.
To attract customers, several providers have introduced discounted introductory offers. MedExpress, for example, is selling the lowest dose (1.5mg) for £59.99 for the first month, with the 'step-up dose' of 4mg priced at £79. Standard prices after these offers range from £110 for the 1.5mg dose up to £199 for the highest 25mg dose.
Other online providers are also offering competitive pricing. Numan provides the first month at £66 for customers committing to a 12-month plan, with rolling monthly subscriptions starting at a discounted rate before increasing. SheMed offers the 1.5mg dose from £69 for the first month, with subsequent monthly costs rising.
Pharmacy2U has an introductory code for the 1.5mg dose at £69.99, while Second Nature's initial offer for the 1.5mg dose is £74, increasing to £124 per month. Voy offers the first month at £74 for the 1.5mg dose.
High-street pharmacies are also entering the market. Boots Online Doctor offers the 1.5mg dose for £79 for new customers, with standard prices for higher doses reaching £229. This service will expand to in-store availability in selected Boots pharmacies starting July 12.
Superdrug Online Doctor similarly offers introductory prices for new customers, with standard prices for the 9mg and 25mg doses at £169 and £229 respectively. Supermarket pharmacies, including Tesco and Morrisons, are also competing, with Asda Online Doctor charging £98.97 for the starting dose.
According to manufacturer Novo Nordisk, patients will typically start on the 1.5mg dose and gradually increase to the maximum 25mg dose over 30-day intervals to help the body adjust and minimize side effects. The active ingredient, semaglutide, mimics a gut hormone to reduce hunger and promote a feeling of fullness.
The tablet form of Wegovy is reported to be slightly less effective than the injectable version, which has demonstrated a higher percentage of weight loss in clinical trials. Patients transitioning from injections will need to observe a one-week gap after their final dose before starting the tablets.