The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a new once-daily pill for weight loss.
The MHRA on Monday approved the drug orforglipron, which will be marketed under the brand name Fondayo. The medicine has been developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly.
The United Kingdom has become the first country in Europe to approve the new once-daily pill designed to help with weight loss and the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Foundayo is a form of GLP-1 medication that blunts appetite, and comes after the MHRA approved a pill version of a similar weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in June.
Orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which helps lower blood sugar levels, slows the movement of food through the digestive system and reduces appetite.
The medicine has been approved, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, for people with a BMI of 30 or above. People with a BMI between 27 and 30 may also use the drug if they have at least one weight-related medical condition.
The medicine can also be used to improve blood sugar control in patients whose type 2 diabetes is not adequately controlled.
A key feature of orforglipron is that it is taken once a day and can be used at any time. It also does not require specific restrictions regarding food or water.
Experts say that a once-daily GLP-1 pill could provide a convenient alternative for people who prefer tablets over injections currently used for weight-loss treatment.
Dr Simon Cork, from Anglia Ruskin University, said while the weight-loss benefits of Foundayo were less than other treatments, patients could still expect to see “significant, clinically meaningful changes to their weight”.
And he said a key advantage was that it was likely to be cheaper than other weight-loss treatments,
Experts believe it could help people coming off weight-loss jabs remain slim.
People on weight loss medication are also advised to eat a healthy diet and get enough exercise.
And, like any medication, there can be side effects to using Foundayo, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting.
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