The news follows the MHRA's approval of Wegovy as the UK's first oral GLP-1 in June.

Julian Beach, MHRA executive director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said: ‘Following rigorous assessment of orforglipron's safety, quality, and effectiveness, we are pleased to be the first regulator in Europe to authorise this tablet for weight management and type 2 diabetes.  

‘As with all GLP-1 receptor agonists, this is a prescription-only medication, and the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of orforglipron under close review.'

Alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, orforglipron is authorised for weight loss and weight maintenance in adults in the UK with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of between 27 and 30, and at least one weight-related comorbidity. It is also authorised to improve glycaemic control for patients with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes. 

The drug is not available currently via the NHS.