Wegovy weight-loss pill approved for UK private purchase
10 reported
The UK medicines regulator has approved the Wegovy weight-loss pill for patients to buy, making it the first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss authorized in the country. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced the decision on Thursday, with the UK becoming the third nation to approve the pills, following the US and the United Arab Emirates. Previously, UK patients could only access the injectable version of the drug. The pills, containing semaglutide, are approved for adults who are obese (BMI of 30 or above) or overweight (BMI of 27-30) with at least one weight-related health condition. Until the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) approves the tablets, they will not be available on the NHS, meaning eligible patients must obtain a private prescription. Prices have not yet been agreed, though private prescriptions for Wegovy injections typically cost £90-£300 per month. Clinical trials showed those on the highest dose lost 14-17% of their body weight after 64 weeks.
What’s reported
The MHRA announced the approval on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The UK is the third country to authorize the pills, behind the US and the United Arab Emirates.
The pills contain semaglutide and are for adults with BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27-30 with at least one weight-related health condition.
Clinical trials showed 14-17% body weight loss after 64 weeks on the highest dose.
The pills will not be available on the NHS until approved by Nice; patients need a private prescription.
Prices are not yet agreed; injections cost £90-£300 per month privately.
New patients start on 1.5mg, increasing to 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg, with at least one month at each level.
Patients already on weekly 2.4mg injections can swap to 25mg tablets once daily if suitable.
Pills must be taken whole with a sip of water on an empty stomach after fasting at least eight hours, then avoid food or drink for at least 30 minutes.
Common side effects include gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting.
Key figures
Emil Kongshøj Larsen, executive vice-president for international operations at Novo Nordisk
Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president of the Royal College of GPs
Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow
Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy at Chemist4U
Katharine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance
Sources: The Guardian
