UK regulator for medicines and medical devices
Weight-loss GLP-1 drugs are expanding beyond injections to pills in the US, UK and UAE. Major manufacturers report rising uptake and ongoing development, with Medicare and NHS access shaping pace and affordability. Private prescriptions and new formulations are widening access while competition accelerates.
A new weight‑loss pill version of semaglutide has launched in the UK for private prescriptions, offering an alternative to injections. The tablet requires strict dosing and a fasting routine and is not yet NHS‑funded. Several outlets warn about counterfeit pills as access broadens.
Vivani Medical is developing a long-acting semaglutide implant to deliver GLP-1 therapy over months, potentially replacing injections. Novo Nordisk is evaluating the device to improve adherence and reduce weight regain, but regulatory and cost questions remain as trials proceed.
Regulators are reviewing a BMJ study linking GLP-1 receptor agonists to a higher risk of alopecia. The study compares hair-loss rates in GLP-1 users against SGLT-2 and DPP-4 inhibitors, with findings suggesting a 37% higher risk versus SGLT-2 and 68% higher versus DPP-4. Hair loss appears non-scarring and potentially reversible, often tied to weight loss and nutritional factors.
Foundayo, the oral GLP-1 weight-loss pill by Eli Lilly, has been authorised by the MHRA for weight management and type 2 diabetes. It will be available privately; NHS adoption depends on NICE evaluation. Several UK outlets report on uptake, pricing, side effects and competing pills, including Wegovy and Wegovy HD.
A comprehensive review links vaping to respiratory and other health harms in children and young people, with warnings about pregnancy exposure. UK officials are urged to extend restrictions to limit flavours and marketing to protect youths while continuing to support smoking cessation for adults.
Nice has approved a weekly insulin to reduce injections from 365 to 52, but MHRA approval is pending. The treatment—Onswik, by Eli Lilly—could improve daily life for patients who rely on carers or face dexterity challenges. NHS readiness hinges on regulatory licensing and clear rollout guidelines.
UK pharmacies are now able to offer orforglipron (Foundayo), the second GLP-1 pill for weight loss, following MHRA approval. The pill, manufactured by Eli Lilly, is available initially by private prescription while NICE assesses a potential NHS rollout in England. It targets BMI thresholds (30+, or 27-30 with weight-related conditions) and is taken daily with no food or water restrictions.
The NHS has launched a program to send self‑testing HPV kits to eligible women aged 30–65 who have missed cervical screening appointments. The at‑home swabs test for high‑risk HPV; negative results lead to in‑person follow‑ups. The phased rollout aims to boost screening uptake and support the 2040 elimination target.