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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first oral GLP-1 pill for weight loss, called the Wegovy pill, developed by Novo Nordisk. This landmark approval marks the first time a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is available in pill form for weight management. The Wegovy pill is expected to be available in the U.S. by early January 2026.
The Wegovy pill contains 25 milligrams of semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the injectable versions of Wegovy and Ozempic. According to Novo Nordisk, clinical trials demonstrated that participants taking the pill lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight over 64 weeks. The pill offers a convenient daily alternative for those who prefer not to use injectables.
The approval gives Novo Nordisk a competitive edge over Eli Lilly, whose GLP-1 pill, orforglipron, is still under FDA review. Both companies are competing in a rapidly growing market for obesity treatments, which is expected to expand significantly with the introduction of oral medications. Experts believe that the availability of pills could make weight-loss treatments more accessible and affordable.
The Wegovy pill must be taken with a sip of water on an empty stomach, with a 30-minute wait before eating or drinking. This requirement is due to the pill's design, which prevents it from being broken down in the stomach before absorption. Despite this, Novo Nordisk's executive vice president, Dave Moore, expressed confidence that the pill's convenience will attract many patients.
Novo Nordisk plans to offer the starting dose of the pill for $149 per month. The company is prepared to meet high demand, with manufacturing already underway at its North Carolina facilities. The introduction of the Wegovy pill is expected to broaden the market for GLP-1 drugs and provide a new option for millions of Americans struggling with obesity.
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