The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, for the treatment of weight loss. The oral medication, containing semaglutide, is approved for adults with obesity or overweight and at least one related health condition.
A New Option for Weight Management
The approval offers a new, potentially more convenient, method of administering semaglutide, which is also the active ingredient in the injectable Wegovy and Ozempic (primarily used for type 2 diabetes). The FDA previously approved an oral semaglutide, Rybelsus, for diabetes treatment.
Novo Nordisk announced the 1.5-milligram starting dose of the Wegovy pill will be available in January, with a monthly cost of $149 (€126) from some providers. Further cost details will be released next month.
This daily pill format could broaden access to GLP-1 medications for obesity and potentially lower costs, as current treatments like Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound typically require weekly injections.
Market Dynamics and Future Approvals
The approval comes as Novo Nordisk seeks to regain momentum after a period of slowing sales of its injectable Wegovy. Currently, Eli Lilly’s Zepbound dominates the US weight-loss drug market. Following the announcement, US-listed shares of Novo jumped 8%.
Novo is already manufacturing the pill in the United States and has been building up supplies to ensure “ample supply,” according to David Moore, Novo’s executive vice president of US operations. Eli Lilly is also developing a daily weight-loss pill, orforglipron, which is expected to be reviewed by the FDA in early 2026.
Novo’s oral semaglutide requires specific administration: it must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before consuming food, beverages, or other oral medications. Lilly’s potential pill, if approved, will not have these restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions qualify someone for Wegovy?
The pill was approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one related health condition.
How much will the Wegovy pill cost?
The 1.5-milligram starting dose will cost $149 (€126) per month from some providers, with additional cost information becoming available in January.
How does this differ from current weight-loss drugs?
Wegovy and Zepbound are currently administered as weekly injections. This new pill offers a daily oral alternative.
As more options become available, how will individuals navigate the choices for weight-loss medications and determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs?
