US Firm's Weight-Loss Pill Launches First in Britain

"The UK is the first country in Europe where Foundayo is now available," said Khalil Asmar, vice-president of cardiometabolic health at Lilly Northern Europe. "We're pleased that this means there is another oral treatment option for eligible UK patients alongside licensed injectable treatments."

Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, called it "another significant day with a second weight loss pill available from today in certain pharmacies," adding that it "is particularly significant for patients who cannot or do not want to take an injectable medicine and could make weight-loss treatment available to a wider range of patients."

Gregg also issued a warning about fakes: "It is easier for criminals to provide fake, unlicensed or counterfeit versions of oral medications than injectables and patients must make sure they only access weight loss treatments through safe and regulated pharmacies."

He pressed the government and the NHS to use pharmacies to get the drugs to eligible patients, rather than what he called "the current postcode lottery that exists for weight management services via GPs."