Orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps lower blood sugar, slow digestion and reduce appetite.
LONDON: The United Kingdom has become the first country in Europe to approve a new once-daily pill to help people lose weight and manage Type 2 diabetes.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved orforglipron. The drug, developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, will be marketed under the brand name Foundayo.
Orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps lower blood sugar, slow digestion and reduce appetite. It has been approved alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
The drug can also be prescribed to people with a BMI between 27 and 30 if they have at least one weight-related health condition. It can additionally be used to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes that is not adequately controlled.
Unlike injectable GLP-1 treatments, orforglipron is taken as a tablet once a day and can be taken at any time. Patients do not need to follow specific restrictions regarding food or water when taking the medicine.
Experts said a once-daily GLP-1 tablet could provide a more convenient option for people seeking weight-loss treatment who prefer oral medication over injections.
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The research, led by King’s College London, involved people whose depression had not improved after at least two previous treatments.
Participants were given a single dose of psilocybin along with psychological support. The findings showed that some patients experienced a significant reduction in depression symptoms, with around four in 10 participants reaching a level considered remission.
