NEWS
SCOTLAND TO TRIAL WEIGHT-LOSS “JABS” IN DEPRIVED AREAS Aims of the study:
The University of Glasgow, in partnership with Novo Nordisk and IQVIA, has been selected to conduct a major study offering free weight loss injections to 3,000 to 5,000 people living in Scotland’s most deprived communities.
The multi-million-pound research project will explore the effectiveness and safety of incretin- based therapies (GLP-1 agonists) in tackling obesity and its related health conditions across communities experiencing the highest levels of health inequality.
If successful, it could lead to a wider rollout of injections throughout the country.
The UK government has provided an initial £650,000 for the Scotland Cadio Metabolic Impact Study (SCoMIS).
As a leading cause of long-term illness such as heart disease and cancer, tackling obesity will help millions live longer healthier lives and reduce the pressure on health services, potentially saving the NHS billions annually.
PHARMACY FIRST SCOTLAND DEMAND SURGES
Community pharmacies continue to cement their role as a frontline access point for care in Scotland, according to the latest Public Health Scotland data.
The biannual report shows a sharp rise in use of NHS Pharmacy First Scotland, with 36% of the population - almost two million people - accessing the service in 2024/25. This marks a 56% jump since 2021/22, with growth seen across every age group and deprivation level. Children aged zero to nine remained the highest users, 548 per 1,000 population highlighting the vital role of pharmacists in supporting families. The majority of patients – Four in five people, accessed treatment items at least once, while many others benefited from trusted clinical advice or referral - further evidence of the profession’s expanding contribution to accessible care. Use of Community Pharmacy Unscheduled Supply (CPUS) also rose, with 11% of Scots relying on urgent access to repeat medicines - a 20% increase over three years, particularly among older adults. The findings reinforce what the profession knows well: community pharmacies are increasingly the first and often most relied- upon point of care for Scotland’s communities.
• To test how weight-loss medicines can be delivered effectively and fairly in everyday NHS care.
• To measure the level of weight loss and improvements in quality of life, particularly for patients in disadvantaged areas.
• To examine the impact on obesity-related illness, NHS use, and overall healthcare costs.
• To explore whether better health through weight loss can help people stay in work, reduce sick leave and take a fuller part in society.
Jason Gill, professor of cardiometabolic health at Glasgow University, who is leading the study said, "While tackling obesity requires multifactorial public health action, incretin therapies add a powerful new tool to the national obesity strategy.
"The burden of obesity is greatest in the most deprived segments of society and the status quo risks widening health inequalities.
"SCoMIS aims to be a landmark real-world study evaluating a new model of obesity care, providing
incretin treatment via primary and community
care to Scottish adults living with obesity, with a focus on those in the most economically deprived communities."
Jenni Minto, Scottish minister for public health, said the Scottish government was proud to be leading the way in tackling obesity through innovation and collaboration. "This study places patients and communities at the heart of cutting- edge research into weight-loss medicines, ensuring we build the evidence needed to deliver the greatest benefit to those who need it most," she said.
The study is expected to launch fully in 2026, following a UK Government grant of £650,000 to support the preparation phase. The trial will be conducted through community pharmacies and GP surgeries, using digital tools powered by artificial intelligence to support patient access, engagement and data collection.
For community pharmacy teams, the study represents an opportunity to play a greater role in weight management pathways and collaborative models of patient care.
PHARMATRONIX SECURES STRATEGIC INVESTMENT
Pharmatronix Limited, a leading developer of pharmacy automation solutions, is pleased to announce a major milestone in its growth journey with a strategic investment from Dears Pharmacy Group and Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy Group - two of Scotland’s most progressive and technology-driven independent pharmacy operators, with over 40 community pharmacies across Fife, Lothian, Glasgow, Dundee and beyond.
This partnership represents a strong alignment of vision and ambition. Both pharmacy groups have been at the forefront of digital transformation in the sector, operating 24/7 Prescription Lockers across 34 locations - from Thurso to Fife and throughout the Central Belt - delivering convenience, accessibility and first-class patient care.
At the heart of Pharmatronix’s success is LOCKERIQ, a next-generation 24/7 Prescription Collection solution designed to redefine how pharmacies serve their patients.
This investment will enable Pharmatronix to accelerate the UK rollout of LOCKERIQ and advance its development of a broader automation suite, all designed to make
pharmacy operations smarter, more efficient and more patient-focused .
Mahyar Nickkho-Amiry, Managing Director and Superintendent Pharmacist of Dears Pharmacy Group and Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy Group said, “We are delighted to be investing in Colin and the expert team at Pharmatronix. 24/7 Prescription Collection Lockers are an essential tool for pharmacies that recognise patient convenience and streamlined workflow as key drivers of growth.
“The new LOCKERIQ solution offers an affordable, space-efficient and highly reliable option - making prescription collection lockers accessible to many more pharmacies. LOCKERIQ is transforming how 24/7 collection is viewed, and we are proud to be part of that journey.”
Colin Simpson, founder and managing director of Pharmatronix, added, “This investment marks an exciting step forward for Pharmatronix. Partnering with two forward- thinking pharmacy groups who share our passion for innovation and reliability allows us to scale faster, serve more patients and continue leading the way in pharmacy automation across the UK.”
scotpharm.com 3
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