The United Kingdom has approved a pill form of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, marking the first time a tablet version of a GLP-1 medication has been cleared by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The once-daily pill offers an alternative to the weekly injection, potentially expanding access for patients who prefer not to use needles.
Manufacturer Novo Nordisk says the tablet could be more convenient for many patients. Unlike the injectable version, the pills do not require refrigeration and can be taken at home on an empty stomach. The starting dose is 1.5 mg once daily, escalating to 4 mg, 9 mg and 25 mg, with a minimum of one month at each level. Patients already using a 2.4 mg weekly semaglutide injection can transition directly to the 25 mg daily tablet. Both forms contain semaglutide, which mimics the natural hormone GLP-1 to suppress appetite and slow digestion, helping people feel fuller and less hungry.
The approval is significant because it offers a needle-free option for the growing number of people seeking medical help for weight management. Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, called the decision “significant” and noted it could help patients who are unable or unwilling to take injections. He added that the pill may also bring down the cost of treatment over time, although the UK price has not yet been announced. In the US, the starting dose launched at approximately $149 (around £110) per month.
However, the pill will not be available on the NHS until the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reviews it. NICE confirmed it is in “active dialogue” with Novo Nordisk but has not yet received a formal submission. Some high street and online pharmacies plan to offer the tablets through their prescribing services in the coming weeks.
Clinical trials show the pill is safe and effective, though full benefits may take several months. Experts caution that weight can return after stopping the medication, and patients should combine treatment with a healthy diet and regular exercise. GLP-1 drugs are not intended for short-term or cosmetic weight loss, and health authorities strongly advise against using them as a quick fix. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting. With the pill now approved, UK patients will soon have a new, more flexible tool in the fight against obesity.