PILL FOR WEIGHT LOSS ON NHS

Experts hope 'exciting' appetite-reducing drug could be available from next year

- By Hanna Geissler Health Editor

A DAILY pill offering an alternative to weight loss injections could become available on the NHS next year.

Patients on the highest dose of orforglipron in a global study lost more than 27lbs on average over 18 months. The drug works like GLP-1 jabs such as Wegovy by mimicking hormones that reduce appetite.

A University of Glasgow expert called the results "exciting". The tablet is likely to be cheaper and easier to mass produce than injections if approved. It also cuts blood sugar and slows digestion.

Drug maker Eli Lilly yesterday said it will apply for approval around the world, including from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, by the end of this year.

Dr Naveed Sattar, an expert in cardiometabolic medicine and honorary consultant at the University of Glasgow, who was not involved with the trial, called the findings “exciting”.

He added: “An oral GLP-1RA tablet that helps many achieve more than 10% weight loss on average could help many people living with modest obesity.