The new daily oral formulation of Wegovy, a popular weight-loss medication, has officially launched in the UK, with pharmacies now able to dispense the treatment to patients with private prescriptions.
The once-daily tablet is the oral counterpart to the widely used Wegovy injection and is intended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have a weight-related health condition.
Regulators in the UK approved the pill last month, but its availability on the National Health Service (NHS) has not yet been confirmed. Discussions are reportedly underway between the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, and the government regarding a potential NHS rollout, with cost being a significant factor.
Patients who have pre-ordered the medication through private doctors and online pharmacies are expected to receive their initial supplies imminently. From today, individuals meeting the eligibility criteria can also request the tablet from pharmacies and online healthcare providers.
Pricing varies across different providers. Boots, the UK's largest pharmacy chain, is offering the medication online with prices starting at £79 for a 30-day supply of the introductory 1.5mg dose for new customers, and £99 for existing customers. In-store availability at Boots is set to begin next week, with the 4mg dose costing £119 and the 25mg dose priced at £229 per month.
Superdrug is also stocking the pill, with initial prices for new customers for the 4mg dose at £99, rising to £229 for the 25mg dose. Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor is charging £109.99 for the 1.5mg dose.
Supermarket pharmacies, including Asda Online Doctor and Morrisons Clinic, are also participating in the launch, with prices for a month's supply of the 1.5mg dose around £98.97 and £119 respectively.
Several online healthcare providers are offering the drug, with some providing introductory discounts. Numan, for example, is offering the first month for as low as £66 when committing to an annual plan.
Clinical trials indicate that patients on the highest 25mg dose of the new pill lost approximately 17% of their body weight over 64 weeks, which is slightly less effective than the injection form, which has shown up to 20.7% weight loss in trials.
The Wegovy tablet contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the injection. Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone that reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness.
Novo Nordisk advises healthcare professionals to start patients on a 1.5mg dose and gradually increase it every 30 days up to the maximum 25mg dose to help the body adjust and minimize potential side effects. Patients currently using Wegovy injections may be able to switch to the tablets, pending medical approval, with specific waiting periods after their last injection before starting the oral medication.