Glp-1 drugs move to pharmacy shelves

A government trial tests GLP-1 weight loss drugs being sold in pharmacies without GP involvement.

Fab jabs could soon be available over the counter at pharmacies without the need for a GP

Health officials are testing a plan to allow GLP-1 weight loss medicines to be bought at pharmacies without a GP prescription. Currently NHS access is limited to people with a body mass index above 35. The trial, part of an £85 million push to expand weight management, also includes digital health apps and peer support networks. NHS England says Mounjaro will be available to about 220,000 people in the next three years, with millions more potentially benefiting but facing long waits. The government argues the move could ease pressure on GPs and help people access treatment sooner, though critics warn the policy must be carefully monitored to avoid overuse or inequitable access.

The plan fits into the Government’s Ten-Year Health Plan to modernize the NHS and make pathways into obesity care easier to navigate. In the early stages, access will be limited and subject to criteria meant to balance safety with expanded reach. The announcement highlights a shift toward broader self management of weight, supported by private sector funding and digital tools.

This shift signals a broader move toward patient self management and private capital entering public health. OTC access could reduce GP bottlenecks but raises safety concerns about monitoring adverse effects, long term outcomes and cost containment. The plan also tests how far the public system can rely on private partnerships to deliver essential care.

The involvement of Lilly funding and private partners invites scrutiny about how public priorities align with corporate interests. For a system already strained, clear rules on eligibility, price controls and data use will be crucial to maintain public trust and ensure that access is fair and transparent.

Highlights

If the rollout clears scrutiny, it could reshape obesity care in public health systems.