UK approves its second weight-loss pill while EU access lags

The U.K.’s medicines regulator approved Eli Lilly’s weight-loss pill on Monday, marking a first European license for the company’s drug. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency authorized Foundayo (orforglipron) for weight management and type 2 diabetes, and is the “first regulator in Europe” to approve the drug. In the EU, a decision is not expected until next year. Foundayo is Lilly’s first oral form of the popular GLP-1 drug class, which has surged in popularity with demand fueled by the backing of celebrities and influencers. Its injectable drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) had been riding this wave. However, with the arrival of the first GLP-1 pill Wegovy (semaglutide) from Danish competitor Novo Nordisk — which launched in the U.S. and U.K. this year and is soon expected in some EU countries — demand for the more-convenient tablet is expected to rise. Novo Nordisk has been attempting to reach as many patients as possible with its pill to capture market share, said CEO Mike Doustdar last week. Doustdar also said the company would soon launch in Germany at its chosen price, ignoring pressure from the U.S. administration to raise prices in Europe. Washington has been pressuring EU countries to pay more for medicines to offset pharma revenue losses from lower U.S. drug prices. The U.K. is the only country to agree to pay more for medicines via a bilateral deal with the U.S. Foundayo’s arrival in the U.K. will initially provide competition in the private market. A decision on whether the National Health Service will cover the pill is not expected until Nov. 18, and will be made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.