The FDA has approved an oral version of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy, which may improve access for many patients and help Novo in the competitive market. This oral pill, a 25-mg formulation of semaglutide, is the first GLP-1 pill made for obesity. A study showed that patients taking the oral version lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight in 64 weeks, compared to 2.7% for those taking a placebo. The injectable Wegovy was approved in 2021 and led to an average weight loss of 14.9% over 68 weeks. Analysts predict the global obesity market could reach $150 billion annually within a decade, with oral drugs expected to capture about 20% of this market by 2030.
The oral pill may help those afraid of injections and provide a simpler daily dosing option. Potential Medicare coverage beginning in 2026 could also be a strong incentive for patients to choose the pill. For Novo, this approval is crucial after a difficult year with declining stock prices and slowing sales for the injectable version, due to stiff competition from Eli Lilly and cheaper alternatives. Novo’s pill gives it an edge over Lilly’s upcoming oral drug, aimed at being approved soon.
As for weight loss, Novo’s pill led to a greater reduction in body weight compared to Lilly’s, which showed a 12.4% weight loss at 72 weeks. The Wegovy pill must be taken on an empty stomach, whereas Lilly’s can be taken anytime. Pricing for the oral drugs is expected to be similar to that of injectables, which cost about $1,000 per month. Both companies have agreed to offer their drugs at a lower price for government programs and cash payers.
With information from Reuters
