A first‑of‑its‑kind daily GLP‑1 weight‑loss pill has launched in the UK, expanding treatment options for adults living with obesity or overweight with a weight‑related condition.
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill (semaglutide tablets) can now be prescribed through regulated private providers alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
The medicine is not currently reimbursed through the NHS and is being introduced through a phased UK rollout to ensure consistent supply.
The approval follows MHRA licensing in June for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27 to <30) with at least one weight‑related condition. It is the first oral GLP‑1 receptor agonist authorised for weight management in the UK.
The decision was supported by data from the OASIS 4 phase 3 trial, which evaluated semaglutide tablets 25mg in adults without diabetes.
After 64 weeks, adults who remained on treatment achieved ~17% (16.6%) weight loss compared with ~3% (2.7%) for placebo. When all participants were included, regardless of adherence, weight loss averaged ~14% (13.6%) versus ~2% (2.4%) with placebo.
Adam Burt, Senior Director, Private Obesity at Novo Nordisk, said: “The scale of the unmet need in the UK is clear. Obesity is a chronic disease currently affecting at least 16 million people across its nations.
“With rates continuing to rise year on year, and obesity’s significant impact on both individuals and the wider health system, the availability of Wegovy pill offers another option through regulated private providers to support eligible patients as part of long‑term weight management.”
Sebnem Avsar Tuna, General Manager UK at Novo Nordisk, added: “Everyone’s experience of living with obesity is different, so it’s vital that healthcare professionals have a range of tools available to support their patients. We’re continuing to work with relevant organisations to expand access and support eligible patients on their weight management journey.”
In OASIS 4, gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea were the most commonly reported, occurring in 74% of participants receiving semaglutide tablets and 42.2% receiving placebo. These were generally mild‑to‑moderate and transient. Discontinuation rates were ~7% (6.9%), consistent with injectable semaglutide.
Dr Earim Chaudry, Chief Medical Office at Voy, said: “From speaking to patients every day, I know that treatment preferences can vary, and that some people may be suited to an oral option as part of their daily routine rather than self‑injecting.
“With the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as Wegovy injection, the pill form provides clinicians an additional treatment option for eligible adults living with obesity, alongside diet and physical activity.
“With access now becoming available in the UK through regulated private providers, the oral pill marks a significant development for eligible adults and healthcare professionals considering evidence‑based options for chronic weight management. It is also a significant milestone for obesity care more broadly, as we continue working collectively to improve access to appropriate treatment options for people living with obesity,” he added.
Initial doses of Wegovy pill (1.5mg, 4mg) are now available in the UK, with higher doses (9mg, 25mg) expected in the coming weeks. The MHRA is the third regulator to approve the medicine, following authorities in the United States and United Arab Emirates.
