Pramod Thomas is an assistant editor at Eastern Eye, where he covers British Asian affairs and key developments in UK politics and business. With two decades of journalism experience, his areas of interest include business, international affairs, current events, arts and culture.
Prince Charles greeted the Sikhs in the UK and across the Commonwealth, on the festival of Vaisakhi.
"In these challenging times, the Sikh community is making an extraordinary and invaluable contribution to the life of this country, and to so many others, just as it has always done," he said in a video message posted on twitter.
Pharmacists have raised concerns that fake Wegovy tablets could emerge following the drug's UK launch
The launch of the Wegovy weight loss pill in the UK is expected to make obesity treatment more accessible, but pharmacists are warning it could also fuel a growing trade in fake weight loss medicines. The oral version of the popular drug became available on Tuesday (7), just weeks after receiving approval from the UK's medicines regulator.
According to a report by the BBC, pharmacy leaders believe the tablet form of semaglutide could be easier for criminal gangs to copy than the existing injectable version, increasing the risk of counterfeit medicines being sold online and through unlicensed suppliers.
The daily Wegovy tablet contains the same active ingredient as the weekly injection and is intended for people who are unable or unwilling to use injectable medicines. Treatment begins with a 1.5mg daily dose before gradually increasing to 4mg, 9mg and 25mg, with patients remaining on each dose for at least one month.
A survey conducted by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), involving 310 pharmacies, found that 97 per cent of respondents were concerned the new tablet could lead to a rise in counterfeit weight loss medicines. Meanwhile, 76 per cent expect a significant increase in patients seeking the treatment over the coming months, while 49 per cent said enquiries had already increased.
Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, reportedly said the tablet version may be easier for criminals to counterfeit, increasing risks for patients buying medicines from unverified sources. He also urged people to avoid websites offering unusually cheap medicines or providers prescribing treatments without proper medical consultations.
Pharmacists believe the introduction of a needle-free option could widen access to obesity treatment, particularly for patients reluctant to use injections.
Picard reportedly said community pharmacies are preparing for a rise in demand and are ready to support a wider rollout of obesity treatments, while noting that NHS access has remained relatively slow.
Clinical trial data show users of the daily Wegovy tablet lost just under 14 per cent of their body weight over 64 weeks on average, making it almost as effective as the injectable version.
While the medicine offers another treatment option for eligible patients, pharmacy leaders say buyers should remain cautious and only obtain the drug through registered healthcare providers to reduce the risk of counterfeit products entering the market.
