Key Summary
- MHRA approved orforglipron (Foundayo) for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
- UK is the first country in Europe to approve the drug.
- Orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorised orforglipron (Foundayo), the GLP-1 tablet for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
This makes the UK, the first country in Europe to approve the drug.
Alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, orforglipron is authorised for weight loss and weight maintenance in adults in the UK with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of between 27 and 30, and at least one weight-related comorbidity.
It is also authorised to improve glycaemic control for patients with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes.
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.”
Orforglipron is a once‑daily tablet that can be taken at any time of day, with no food or water restrictions.
Treatment starts at 0.8 mg once daily and is escalated through 2.5 mg, 5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg and up to 17.2 mg, with at least 30 days at each dose level before increasing, based on tolerability and response.
Orforglipron mimics the action of the natural hormone glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1), which is released after eating. It acts on brain regions that regulate appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and curbing food cravings. In people with type 2 diabetes, it also helps lower blood sugar levels when they are high.
The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, dyspepsia (indigestion) and abdominal pain; other reactions such as headache, fatigue and hair loss have also been noted.
Although orforglipron is now licensed for use in the UK, it is not currently available on the NHS. Before any NHS use, it will need to undergo standard processes, including evaluation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Regulators have also warned that buying GLP‑1 medicines from unregulated sellers carries serious health risks.
