The UK has become the first European country to approve orforglipron, a revolutionary GLP-1 tablet for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
The UK has made history by becoming the first country in Europe to authorize orforglipron (brand name Foundayo), a groundbreaking GLP-1 tablet designed for weight management and type 2 diabetes treatment. This approval, granted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on August 10, 2026 marks a significant milestone in the fight against obesity and diabetes.
The tablet is intended for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher or those with a BMI between 27 and 30 who have at least one weight-related comorbidity. It is also authorized to improve glycaemic control in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes.
The approval comes after a rigorous assessment of the tablet’s safety, quality, and effectiveness.
The Science Behind Orforglipron
Orforglipron works by mimicking the actions of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) a naturally occurring hormone released after eating. This hormone acts on the brain to regulate appetite, helping individuals feel fuller for longer and reducing food cravings.
As a result, it supports weight reduction when combined with appropriate diet and lifestyle measures. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, the tablet also helps reduce high blood sugar levels.
The tablet is taken once daily, with no restrictions on food or water intake. Treatment begins at a low dose of 0.8 mg and gradually increases to a maximum of 17.2 mg, with a minimum of one month at each dose level. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, and abdominal pain.
Expert Reactions and Implications
Experts have welcomed the authorization, highlighting its potential to offer an alternative to injectable treatments. Dr. Marie Spreckley a researcher at the University of Cambridge, noted that the phase 3 evidence is convincing, showing meaningful weight loss and improved blood glucose control. In the ATTAIN-1 trial participants lost an average of 7.5% to 11.2% of their body weight across different doses, compared to 2.1% with a placebo.
Dr. Simon Cork a Senior Lecturer in Physiology at Anglia Ruskin University, emphasized that orforglipron is likely to be much cheaper than currently available medications. He also pointed out that the tablet could be a more economically viable option for long-term weight management, as seen in the ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial.
Prof. Naveed Sattar a Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine at the University of Glasgow, highlighted the convenience of orforglipron, which can be taken at any time of the day. He noted that while oral semaglutide may offer greater weight loss, orforglipron provides a valuable alternative for those who prefer not to use injectable medicines.
Availability and Future Considerations
While the tablet is approved for use in the UK, it is not currently available via the NHS. Decisions on NHS use will follow established processes, including an evaluation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The MHRA will continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of orforglipron closely.
It is crucial to note that all GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only meaning they can only be obtained from a registered pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription. Buying these medicines from unregulated sellers carries serious health risks. Anyone experiencing side effects is encouraged to report them through the Yellow Card scheme.
