Novo Nordisk debuts Wegovy weight-loss pill in the U.S.

Novo Nordisk, a Danish drugmaker, has introduced an oral pill form of their weight-loss drug Wegovy in the U.S. This new medication offers Americans a convenient alternative to injectable treatments for obesity. The pill contains 25 milligrams of semaglutide, the same ingredient found in the injectable versions of Wegovy and Ozempic. The starting dose of the daily Wegovy pill is 1.5 milligrams and is priced at $149 per month for self-paying patients. There is also a 4 mg dose available for the same price until April 15, after which the cost will increase to $199.

Ed Cinca, senior vice president of marketing and patient solutions at Novo Nordisk, emphasized the significance of this new drug as the “first and only” GLP-1 pill for weight loss. The FDA approved the pill version of Wegovy in December, positioning it as a competitor to Eli Lilly’s obesity pill, orforglipron, which is still under review by the FDA.

The pill is designed to help patients lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Clinical trials showed that participants who used the oral medication lost about 14% of their body weight during phase 3 trials, with continued use resulting in a 17% weight loss. Like the injectable version, the pill may cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.

This new Wegovy pill provides a more accessible option for individuals seeking weight-loss treatment, as injectable GLP-1 drugs have been the primary choice in the market. According to a recent survey by KFF, approximately 1 in 8 Americans has used an injectable GLP-1 drug for weight loss or other conditions.

In conclusion, Novo Nordisk’s introduction of the Wegovy weight-loss pill offers a promising solution for individuals struggling with obesity. With its efficacy in clinical trials and more convenient form factor compared to injectables, this new medication is set to make a significant impact in the weight-loss market.