New weight loss and type 2 diabetes treatment authorised for use

Treatment expected to be available in the UK following approval by the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The UK has become the first country in Europe to authorise a new treatment, orforglipron, to improve weight management and type 2 diabetes.

The MHRA has recently authorised orforglipron (Foundayo), in the form of a GLP-1 tablet, that can be prescribed to improve glycaemic control for people living with type 2 diabetes.

Alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, orforglipron is also authorised for weight loss and weight maintenance in adults in the UK with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or above, or a BMI of between 27 and 30, and at least one weight-related health complication. 

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.” 

Recommendations from MHRA state that the orforglipron tablet is taken once daily and can be taken at any time of day, with no food or water restrictions. Treatment begins at 0.8 mg, escalating through 2.5 mg, 5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg, and 17.2 mg, with a minimum of one month at each dose level. Patients should follow the instructions in the enclosed patient information leaflet.

Orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist and works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which is released by the body after eating. Orforglipron acts on areas of the brain that regulate appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and decreasing food cravings. As a result, it can help people eat less and support weight reduction alongside appropriate diet and lifestyle measures. In people with type 2 diabetes orforglipron also reduces the levels of glucose in the body when they are high. 
The most common side effects for those taking orforglipron are nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, dyspepsia (indigestion), and abdominal pain.  
Whilst this tablet is approved for use in the UK, it is not available currently via the NHS. As with all new treatments, decisions on NHS use will follow established processes, including an evaluation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

All GLP-1 medicines are prescription only medicines, which means they can only be obtained from a registered pharmacy, with a prescription from a doctor. Buying GLP-1 medicines from unregulated sellers carries serious health risks.

It is against the law to promote any prescription-only medication direct to the public.  
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme.

Read more about type 2 diabetes

Read the DRWF diabetes information resource A healthy diet and diabetes