New once-daily weight loss pill approved by the UK medicines regulator

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The UK has become the first country in Europe to approve a new once-a-day pill to aid weight loss and treat type 2 diabetes.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorised orforglipron, known as Foundayo and made by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, on Monday.

Orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a type of medication which helps lower blood sugar levels, slows the digestion of food and can reduce appetite.

Alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, orforglipron is licensed for people 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.

It can also be used to improve blood sugars in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

The pill is taken once a day, at any time, with no food or water restrictions.

Orforglipron is known as Foundayo and made by Eli Lilly (Getty)

Dosage begins at 0.8mg, climbing to 2.5mg, 5.5mg, 9mg, 14.5mg and 17.2mg. Patients will spend a minimum of one month at each dosage level.

The most common side effects for those taking orforglipron are nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, dyspepsia (indigestion), and abdominal pain.

Julian Beach, MHRA executive director of healthcare quality and access, said: “Following rigorous assessment of orforglipron’s safety, quality, and effectiveness, we are pleased 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, this is a prescription-only medication, and the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of orforglipron under close review.”

Whilst Foundayo is approved for use in the UK, it is not yet available on the NHS and will be evaluated by the health service spending watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).

As a GLP-1 medicine, it is prescription only and can only be obtained from a registered pharmacy, with a prescription from a doctor. Patients are warned to avoid purchasing GLP-1 medicines from unregulated sellers due to the serious health risks.

The MHRA approved the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss, a tablet form of Wegovy, in June.