FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss, the first daily oral medication of its kind

U.S. regulators have approved a new pill version of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, marking a significant milestone in the treatment of obesity. This oral medication, developed by Novo Nordisk, is the first daily pill designed to address obesity, providing patients with a convenient alternative to injectable treatments.

The approval of Wegovy pill gives Novo Nordisk an advantage over its competitor Eli Lilly, whose oral obesity drug, orforglipron, is still pending FDA review. Both pills belong to the class of GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite and feelings of fullness. In recent years, injectable versions of these drugs have transformed obesity treatment worldwide, with Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound leading the way in the U.S.

The availability of Wegovy pills is expected in the coming weeks, with experts anticipating that the introduction of oral medications for obesity could expand the market by improving access and reducing costs for patients. According to a survey from KFF, approximately 1 in 8 Americans have used injectable GLP-1 drugs, but affordability remains a challenge for many individuals.

Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasized the importance of having multiple treatment options available to patients. The Novo Nordisk pill contains 25 milligrams of semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in their injectable products. Clinical trials have shown that participants who took the oral Wegovy pill experienced an average weight loss of 13.6% over 15 months, compared to a placebo.

One participant in the trial, Chris Mertens, a pediatric lung doctor, lost about 40 pounds with the Wegovy pill, citing a decrease in appetite and intrusive thoughts about food. The pill must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, with a 30-minute gap before eating or drinking to ensure optimal absorption.

In comparison, Lilly’s orforglipron has no dosing restrictions and is being evaluated under the FDA’s priority voucher program. The cost of the new oral medications is expected to be lower than injectable drugs, with the starting dose priced at $149 per month. The convenience of daily pills may appeal to some patients, while others may prefer weekly injections.

Overall, the approval of Wegovy pills represents a significant advancement in obesity treatment, offering patients a more accessible and affordable option for managing their weight. As Dr. Angela Fitch, an obesity expert, noted, the key to success lies in providing effective medications at an affordable price point.