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Medical professionals often prescribe semaglutide to patients who have type 2 diabetes. Along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, it has also shown to be an incredibly efficient weight loss aid for patients. As the active ingredient in well-known brand-name drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, semaglutide is currently on everybody's lips. But what exactly is semaglutide? Does it really work for weight loss? We'll find an answer for you in this article, and explain the main benefits of using semaglutide for weight loss. What Is Semaglutide? A number of diabetic and weight loss medications, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, have semaglutide as their active ingredient. This substance is a synthetic form of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), that occurs naturally. Developed by the company Novo Nordisk, semaglutide was first approved by the FDA in 2017 as an injection for the treatment of adult type 2 diabetes (as part of the approval procedure for Ozempic). In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration approved a novel semaglutide form known as Rybelsus. Rybelsus was the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the United States.

Hospitals and healthcare providers across the UK have been notified about the shortage of an anti-inflammatory medicine caused by a manufacturing failure. the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on Friday (3 May) issued a National Patient Safety Alert stating that Erelzi 50mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen will be out of stock from early May until mid-July 2024. "the supply issues have been caused by a manufacturing failure resulting in delays in production and the implementation of global allocations," it said. However, it noted that homecare providers (Alcura, Healthnet and Sciensus) have sufficient stock to supply existing patients until mid/late May 2024. Although Erelzi 50mg pre-filled syringes (PFS) are still available, they cannot support a full increase in demand, the DHSC warned.

Good news for patients whose epilepsy cannot be controlled by standard anti-seizure drugs! Next month, NHS England will introduce a cutting-edge laser beam therapy that can prevent seizures in these individuals. Known as Laser Interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), the advanced treatment targets the part of the brain causing seizures without the need for invasive surgery, the health service said. the new fibre optic laser therapy is being offered at King's College Hospital in London and the Walton Centre in Liverpool. Starting from June, it will be gradually extended to eligible patients across England. Each year, it is expected to benefit up to 50 epilepsy patients in England who are resistant to standard anti-seizure medications. "This groundbreaking new treatment will change the lives of those with severe epilepsy improving quality of life and providing much-needed assurance," said Andrew Stephenson, Minister of State for Health.

"If we stand still, we will die. We have to keep moving, and we have to keep changing" said Patrick Gompels, co-owner of Gompels Limited, while emphasising the need for innovation in community pharmacy services, during the recent Pharmacy Business Conference 2024. Centered on the theme 'Pharmacy of Tomorrow,' the conference, held at the Hilton Wembley on April 28, focused on adopting and adapting innovative technology as well as new ways of working and thinking to enhance patient services. Patrick was joined by Mayank Patel of Pearl Chemist Group and Michael Lennox, CEO of Community Pharmacy Somerset (LPC), during the panel discussion on innovation in community pharmacy services, moderated by Reena Barai, pharmacist and owner of S G Barai Pharmacy. On the changes he made at Gompels, Patrick said: "the first thing we did was a complete overhaul of all of our systems. Pretty much everything was stripped down." He shared that Gompels has embraced innovation by partnering with forward-thinking companies like Titan PMR, Drug Comparison, and Real World Analytics to enhance their processes and data analysis capabilities.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England (RPS) and Community Pharmacy England (CPE) have raised alarm over The impending increase in NHS prescription charges, slated to take effect from May 1, 2024. The RPS, represented by Chair Tase Oputu, condemned The rise, labeling it a "dark day for patients" who will now face nearly £10 per prescription item. Oputu emphasised The disproportionate impact on individuals with low incomes, citing The "relentless annual increases in prescription charges" as exacerbating The affordability crisis in healthcare. " Every day pharmacists are asked by patients who are unable to afford all The items in Their prescription which ones They can 'do without'" she said. She furTher added that The financial barriers to get vital medicines should not be faced by any one and advocated for "The abolition of prescription charges in England, as has been implemented in oTher parts of The UK".

In a groundbreaking move towards modernising healthcare, England's National Health Service (NHS) has successfully implemented digital prescriptions, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its latest regional digital health report. Since January 2024, patients across England have had access to their prescription information through the NHS App, marking a significant leap in healthcare accessibility and efficiency. With over 33 million registered users, representing 75 per cent of the adult population, the NHS App has become a vital tool in managing healthcare online. the introduction of digital prescriptions allows users to order repeat prescriptions online without the need for a GP visit. This innovation has witnessed a surge in digital requests, with over 3.1 million repeat prescriptions processed monthly.

The UK GDP Association has been established as a non-profit organisation, operating as a Community Interest Company (CIC), with a focus on providing a broader support network, particularly for small and medium business enterprises and pharmacy wholesalers. In addition to delivering commercially viable Good Distribution Practice (GDP) consultancy services for simple models with smaller budgets, The association aims to function as a networking platform for Responsible Persons in The UK. As members of The association, companies and individuals can gain multiple benefits that will add value to Their business through access to knowledge, discounted training, consultancy services, audit and inspection support, as well as resources like document templates for risk assessments, CAPA, deviations, and more. Moreover, members can enjoy The benefit of a like-minded support network via a dedicated GDP community hub, providing a platform for discussions, seeking advice, and fostering new relationships. "Our mission is to ensure that patient safety, GDP compliance, and excellent quality is paramount in all organisations, regardless of budget," The company said.

The nationwide implementation of The Pharmacy First service is viewed as a significant development that benefits pharmacies, primary care, and The broader National Health Service (NHS). Pharmacy teams are striving to ensure its success despite challenges within The industry landscape. However, not all pharmacists are able to reap The benefits from it. Recently, two members of Numark shared Their experiences of how The scheme is impacting Their pharmacies. Graham Phillips, who owns Letchworth Pharmacy in Hertfordshire, revealed that patients are responding favourably to The service. "It's all good, people are just delighted to have easier access to care," he said. In its first month, Letchworth Pharmacy provided around 100 consultations, and Phillips envisions that as The service matures, They will be able to conduct an average of 200 interventions per week. "That will make it financially viable for us and mean that we're acting at scale from an NHS perspective. That's 200 GP appointments we've freed up in a week - that's a huge capability and capacity bump for The NHS," he added. Graham credits part of his success with Pharmacy First to The strong relationship he has established with local GPs in his area.

Dental surgery encompasses various medical procedures aimed at altering dentition, involving surgical interventions on the teeth and jaw bones. It encompasses a wide range of dental procedures focusing on the gums and teeth, such as root canals, implants, and wisdom tooth extraction.

In a significant uptick reflecting growing awareness and acceptance of mental health challenges among new and expectant mothers, NHS records reveal a striking surge in specialist support sought by over 57,000 new mothers over the past year. This figure represents a substantial 33 per cent increase compared to the 2022 data findings indicating a heightened demand for perinatal mental health services in England. Last year, the number of women accessing perinatal mental health services was 43,053 individuals. Specifically, between March 2023 and February 2024, a total of 57,170 women accessed these services, representing a significant rise from the 43,053 women who received support between March 2022 and February 2023. Contextually, this surge in demand is significant given that approximately 600,000 women give birth in England each year.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in recent response to The questions asked by members of The House of Lords addressed The concerning trend of pharmacy closures in rural areas across The UK. Led by The Bishop of St Albans, inquiries focused on The number of community pharmacies that had ceased operations over The past five years and The ongoing financial challenges faced by those remaining in rural regions. Lord Markham, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care, provided insights into The stark reality confronting rural communities. Highlighting data as per Guide to applying The Rural Urban Classification to data (2019-2023) Markham illustrated The significant closure rates of rural pharmacies compared to The limited number of new openings between 2019 and 2023. The figures revealed a fluctuating trend over The past five years, indicating a dynamic landscape within rural pharmacy provision.

The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) has changed its name to The Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA). AIMp, now IPA, stated that rebranding was prompted by The demand from independent community pharmacists for an association that properly represents Their interests. The membership of The Independent Pharmacies Association will not be restricted to pharmacy owners with multiple branches, as was The case with AIMp, but will be open to all independents, it announced today (Tuesday). It believes that The switch will "provide a clearer identity and afford a strong voice to The thousands of independent pharmacies in England and Wales." FurThermore, The IPA noted that it will not primarily function as an insurance organisation with membership attached, but it will be "fighting for and representing its members across all fronts."

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is doubling down on its efforts to combat online pharmacy frauds, emphasising innovation, eradication of legacy systems, and cybersecurity in its updated technology roadmap. The online sale of medicines and medical devices is a "growing phenomenon offering convenience, anonymity, and lower prices " for The public. However The lack of robust cyber monitoring also "poses significant risks", as many online pharmacies are "unregulated, illegal, or fraudulent." According to The MHRA's recent report highlighting The impact of artificial intelligence on The regulation of medical products, The strategic Themes of "fundamental to The successful deployment of AI" are essential for protecting consumers from fraudulent medical products.

British pharmacies and slimming clinics are reducing prices for weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Mounjaro in a competitive bid to win patients. Both Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) injection drugs are cleared for weight loss in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Wegovy was launched in the UK market in September, with Mounjaro following in February. Initially designed for treating type 2 diabetes, the drugs have been found to also induce weight loss by suppressing appetite and decelerating digestion. As reported by Reuters, Simple Online Pharmacy has further reduced the price of starter doses of Mounjaro to £149 for a one-month supply. In February, the price was cut to £159 ($198) from £179. Additionally, the pharmacy on Monday discounted the higher Mounjaro strengths that patients take later.

Haleon, the consumer healthcare giant behind brands like Sensodyne toothpaste and Advil painkillers, has announced plans to shut down its Maidenhead manufacturing site in the UK. This decision will impact 435 employees and comes as part of a broader strategic realignment of the company's global manufacturing operations according to BBC. the Maidenhead facility, which has been in operation for years, manufactures some of Haleon's most popular oral health products, including Sensodyne and Parodontax. However, following a comprehensive review of its manufacturing capabilities, the company has concluded that the site is no longer economically viable. In a statement issued by a spokesperson for Haleon, they stated, "Following a strategic review of our global manufacturing capabilities, we have determined that our Maidenhead site is no longer a viable option for the manufacture of our products."

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has unveiled proposed updates to The NHS Constitution for England, signalling a significant step forward in prioritizing patient privacy, dignity, and safety. At The heart of These reforms lies Martha's Rule, a testament to The power of grassroots advocacy and The enduring legacy of 13-year-old Martha Mills. Martha's Rule, born from The tragic loss of Martha Mills due to a failure in escalating her care, stands as a beacon of hope for future patients and Their families. Prompted by Martha's parents' tireless campaign, this rule empowers patients to request intimate care from providers of The same biological sex, ensuring that individual needs are recognized and respected. Additionally, it guarantees The right to a rapid review from an external care team when a patient's condition deteriorates, offering a lifeline in moments of crisis.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), led by Victoria Atkins MP and Maria Caulfield MP, has unveiled proposed updates to The NHS Constitution for England, aiming to fortify The principles of privacy, dignity, and safety for all patients. Martha's rule was prompted by a campaign led by The parents of 13-year-old Martha Mills who tragically succumbed to sepsis after staff at King's College Hospital failed to escalate her care to intensive care, despite her family's pleas regarding her worsening condition in 2021. Under The new guidance is The introduction of Martha's Rule, empowering patients to request intimate care from someone of The same biological sex ensuring that The distinct needs of men and women are recognized and addressed. Patients and Their loved ones can exercise The right to "access to a rapid review from outside The care team if The patient is deteriorating." The consultation on The proposed updates is set to run for eight weeks, inviting feedback from patients, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders for a review

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and Pharmacist Support have announced a formal agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration to better support RPS members and increase The impact of The charity. This partnership comes after years of working closely togeTher, and formalising it will allow both organisations to reach a wider audience and focus on supporting The wellbeing of pharmacy professionals. The aim of The partnership is to establish a visible link between The professional body and The independent charity to increase awareness about The two organisations for greater focus on The support within The sector. Along with this, The key objectives also include identifying fundraising opportunities for Pharmacist Support, and collaborating on specific wellbeing projects.

In a recent report released by the Company Chemists' Association (CCA), data from the NHS Pharmacy First service indicates a substantial uptake and positive impact on patient care just two months after its launch. the CCA's findings shed light on the service's efficacy in meeting patient needs and its potential to alleviate pressure on General Practices (GPs) within the NHS. According to the report, over 90,000 Pharmacy First consultations were conducted solely by CCA members within the initial two-month period. Impressively, 88 per cent of these consultations, totaling 81,627, were deemed eligible for NHS-funded care indicating a significant demand for the service among patients. In the first month, the data revealed that more than 90 per cent of eligible patients received necessary care directly through Pharmacy First, bypassing the need for further referral.

In a recent announcement the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) unveiled its strategic approach to artificial intelligence (AI), as it sets out to embrace the transformative potential of AI in healthcare regulation. Building upon the Government's white paper 'A pro-innovation approach to AI regulation', released in 2023, the MHRA outlined five key strategic principles guiding its adoption of AI. these principles encompass safety, security, and robustness; appropriate transparency and explainability; fairness, accountability, and governance; and contestability and redress. A science-led organization, the MHRA was tasked with providing an independent view of its approach to AI in medicine and science, aligning with a government white paper. Recognising its role in UK's goal to be a science and tech leader by 2030, MHRA is tasked to evaluate AI's opportunities and risks across regulatory, public service, and evidence-based decision-making area.