UK authorises first oral GLP-1 tablet for weight management and type 2 diabetes

The UK has become the first country in Europe to authorise orforglipron, a once-daily GLP-1 tablet for weight management and type 2 diabetes.

Existing GLP-1 treatments can help address obesity and poor blood-sugar control, but many are injections. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has approved Eli Lilly’s Foundayo tablet after assessing its safety, quality and effectiveness.

For weight management, it is authorised alongside reduced-calorie eating and increased physical activity for adults meeting specified BMI and health criteria. It is also approved to improve blood-sugar control in people whose type 2 diabetes is not sufficiently controlled. The tablet can be taken without food or water restrictions, with doses increased gradually.

A tablet offers another treatment format, but authorisation does not mean immediate access. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, indigestion and abdominal pain, and the medicine remains prescription-only.

Foundayo is not currently available through the NHS. NICE will now assess whether it should be offered within NHS care.