FIRST GLP-1 receptor agonist in tablet form has now been approved by the Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in weight management, marking a significant expansion in treatment options for obesity care.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorised semaglutide tablets for use in adults with obesity, or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. The approval makes the UK the first country to authorise an oral version of a GLP-1 weight loss treatment, a drug class already widely used in injectable form.
Daily Oral Semaglutide Approved Under Strict Dosing Schedule
Under the approved regimen, treatment begins at 1.5 mg once daily and is gradually increased over time to 4 mg, 9 mg, and finally 25 mg daily, with at least one month spent at each dose level. Patients transitioning from a privately prescribed weekly 2.4 mg semaglutide injection can move directly to the 25 mg tablet formulation, according to the regulator.
Patients are instructed to take the tablet whole on an empty stomach after fasting for at least eight hours, with only a sip of water. No food or drink should be consumed for at least 30 minutes afterwards, as eating too soon can reduce drug absorption. Adherence to these instructions is essential to ensure the medicine works effectively.
NHS Access Pending as Regulator Confirms Ongoing Safety Monitoring
Although the tablet has been approved for use in the UK, it is not currently available on the NHS. Decisions on routine NHS use will depend on evaluation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The MHRA emphasised that semaglutide remains a prescription-only medicine and must be taken exactly as directed for optimal effectiveness.
The MHRA will continue to closely monitor the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide in clinical use and encouraged patients to report suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme.
Reference
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). First GLP-1 tablet for weight loss approved in the UK. 11 June 2026. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-glp-1-tablet-for-weight-loss-approved-in-the-uk. Last accessed: 19 June 2026.
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