A daily weight-loss pill could soon arrive in New Zealand after Medsafe confirmed it is considering its first application for an oral GLP-1 drug, 1News reported.
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration approved the same semaglutide tablet this week, setting up trans-Tasman availability by the end of the year.
Medsafe Considers Oral Wegovy
Medsafe stated that it received an application for Wegovy oral tablets through a reliance pathway. This mechanism allows the regulator to rely on trusted overseas findings to halve standard approval timeframes. Officials aim to complete the initial assessment within roughly 75 working days, though final approval depends on responses from the pharmaceutical company.
The TGA registered four strengths of the oral tablet: 1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg. The regulator indicated that indications for the pill mirror those of the weekly injection for chronic weight management. The daily tablet requires patients to take it on an empty stomach with a sip of water upon waking, waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking, newsGP reported.
Patients await access to daily tablets before Christmas
Patients across Australia can expect access to the daily pill before Christmas, with over 10,000 residents already on waiting lists, according to 7NEWS. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk is working to supply the new treatment format, which offers an alternative to weekly semaglutide injections like Ozempic or Wegovy. The tablets contain a special absorption aid to pass through stomach acid.
While official pricing remains unannounced in Australia, weekly injections cost A$250–$450 a month, and out-of-pocket costs for the pill will likely match that range. Kiwis could pay significant amounts for the injection drug since it is not currently funded for most people, raising affordability concerns for the upcoming tablet.
Doctors and patients view tablets as needle-free alternatives
Dr Prabani Wood, medical director, told 1News that tablets provide a more palatable option for individuals who dislike needles.
Wellingtonian Valentina Florez-Betancur, who uses a self-funded GLP-1 injection, told 1News she views the pill as a maintenance tool rather than a starting point.
Questions about Wegovy pill strengths, usage, and availability
What strengths of the Wegovy pill are available?
The TGA registered the oral tablets in 1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg strengths, consistent with the indications approved for the injectable version.
How should patients take the oral GLP-1 tablet?
Patients take one pill daily on an empty stomach with a sip of water immediately upon waking, then wait 30 minutes before consuming food, beverages, or other medications.
When will the daily weight-loss pill be available in Australia?
Regulators and manufacturers expect the treatment to be accessible to patients before Christmas, with thousands already placed on waiting lists.
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