A pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy has been approved in the UK, signaling a new prescription option for individuals seeking to manage their weight. This marks the first tablet of its kind to receive clearance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Manufacturer Novo Nordisk has stated that the once-daily tablet could offer greater convenience for some patients compared to the weekly self-injection of the GLP-1 medication, which is known to blunt appetite. A significant advantage is that, unlike the injectable form, the pills do not require refrigeration.

However, availability on the National Health Service (NHS) will depend on further assessment by health technology experts. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body responsible for such decisions, indicated that Novo Nordisk has not yet formally approached them regarding the pill, though active dialogue is ongoing.

Several high street and online pharmacies are preparing to integrate the drug into their doctor prescribing services within the coming weeks. The MHRA has detailed the tablet's dosage regimen, starting at 1.5 mg once daily and escalating through 4 mg, 9 mg, and up to 25 mg, with a minimum of one month at each dose level. Patients currently using the 2.4 mg semaglutide injection weekly will be able to transition directly to the 25 mg daily tablet.

The tablets, which contain semaglutide, work by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1. This hormone suppresses appetite and slows digestion, leading to increased feelings of fullness and reduced hunger. Similar to the injection, the pills are intended for use on an empty stomach and are already available in the United States.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, described the pill's approval as significant, suggesting it could assist patients who are unable or prefer not to use the injectable version. He also posited that the pill form might lead to a reduction in treatment costs over the long term.

Pharmacies are currently awaiting further guidance on the precise timeline for patient availability. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the medication, although, like the injection, it can take several months to achieve full benefits. There is also a recognized risk of weight regain after discontinuing the medication.

The cost of Wegovy pills in the UK has not yet been disclosed. In the US, the manufacturer's listed starting dose of 1.5 mg was priced at approximately $149 (£110) per month upon launch. The development of rival drugs by other pharmaceutical companies is also underway or already established in the market.