Weight loss pill nears NHS rollout

A weight loss pill called orforglipron shows strong trial results and could reach the NHS, raising questions on cost and access.

Weight loss pill moves closer to NHS rollout

Orforglipron, a pill from Eli Lilly, showed average weight loss of 12.4 percent after 72 weeks in early human trials. The goal was 15 percent, and while the result is promising, it does not match the levels seen with injections used for weight loss. The trial data are described as preliminary and not peer reviewed. Eli Lilly says regulatory submission could happen by year end, with a global launch planned if approved. Existing NHS options include injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which require regular injections and are prescribed to eligible patients. Ozempic is primarily used for Type 2 diabetes and is not approved for weight loss. A pill could be cheaper to manufacture and easier to take, potentially widening access if priced fairly.

The pill form poses a trade off between convenience and efficacy. If orforglipron costs less to make and avoids needles, uptake could rise among patients who dislike injections. Yet the 12.4 percent weight loss over 72 weeks falls short of injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, raising questions about long-term health impact and patient expectations. Regulators will scrutinize the full trial data before approval, and pricing decisions will shape whether the NHS adopts the pill or keeps injections as the main option. The debate reflects broader tensions: how to balance innovation with affordability and how to ensure equitable access for those most in need.

Highlights

Public health gains require affordable, accessible solutions that work in the real world.