The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States approved the first oral version of the Wegovy pill, a medication from Novo Nordisk based on semaglutide for the treatment of obesity. This is the first GLP-1 drug in tablet form authorized for weight loss, with an initial price of $149 per month for those paying out of pocket. It represents a novel alternative to injectable versions.
Approval and Official Launch
The company responsible for the product announced that the first doses are now available following its approval by federal authorities in recent weeks. The new drug will provide people with an oral option for weight control.
Ed Cinca, senior vice president of Novo Nordisk, stated that the new presentation is a “significant innovation” and emphasized that it is the first and only GLP-1 tablet for weight loss approved by authorities. Until now, these therapies were limited to injectable forms.
Characteristics of the Medication
The Wegovy pill contains 25 milligrams of semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the injectable versions of Wegovy and Ozempic. The treatment is offered in initial doses of 1.5 milligrams daily and also in a 4-milligram version, both at the same price until April 15. Afterward, the price will increase to $199, as announced by Novo Nordisk.
During phase 3 of clinical trials, those who used the oral alternative along with diet and exercise achieved an average weight loss of 14% of their body weight. Patients who completed the full cycle reached losses close to 17%, according to efficacy data reported in the evaluation.
Impact on Health
The medication also has an approved indication to help reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events. The most commonly reported side effects include nausea and diarrhea, similar to those observed with the injectable versions of the drug, according to the FDA.
Mike Doustdar, executive vice president of Novo Nordisk, highlighted that the new pill form could help patients lose a comparable amount of weight to the injectable therapy. Thus, the company aims to serve people who prefer to avoid injections, according to his statements.
Alternatives and Competitive Dynamics
The approval gives Novo Nordisk a strategic advantage over its main competitor, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of the injectable Zepbound and developer of the pill Orforglipron. While the FDA continues to evaluate Orforglipron, the expectation is that Eli Lilly will bring it to market between the first and second quarter of 2026, according to company sources and Forbes.
So far, Eli Lilly has led in direct sales and clinical results with its injectable GLP-1 treatments, according to Forbes. Following the approval announcement of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk’s shares rose by more than 8%. However, the company has experienced a decline of nearly 44% year-to-date, while Eli Lilly has seen an increase of almost 40% during the same period, according to industry data.
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