FDA Approves Wegovy Weight Loss Pill, Marking New Era for Oral GLP-1 Medications

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a daily pill version of Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug Wegovy, opening the door to a new generation of oral GLP-1 medications that could significantly expand treatment options for patients with obesity.

The newly approved Wegovy pill uses the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as the injectable Wegovy and the diabetes drug Ozempic. Until now, GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, have primarily been administered through weekly injections. About one in eight US adults currently report using a GLP-1 drug for weight loss, diabetes, or another condition.

Clinical trials showed the Wegovy pill produced weight loss results and side effects similar to the injectable version. Novo Nordisk says the pill will be available by prescription in the US starting in January. Company officials say the oral option may appeal to patients who are unwilling or unable to take injectable medications.

The starting dose of the Wegovy pill will cost $149 for patients paying out of pocket, following a pricing agreement announced in November. Costs are expected to rise as patients increase doses over time, which is typical for GLP-1 treatments designed to gradually reduce side effects. Patients with insurance coverage may see lower out-of-pocket costs.

The approval comes as competition grows in the GLP-1 market. Eli Lilly is expected to receive FDA approval for its own oral GLP-1 drug, orforglipron, by summer. While the two pills have not been directly compared in trials, both have demonstrated significant weight loss in separate studies.

Doctors note that oral GLP-1 medications could be especially useful for weight maintenance after patients reach a plateau on injectable drugs. Beyond weight loss, GLP-1 treatments have also shown benefits for heart health, sleep apnea, liver function, and other conditions, adding to their growing appeal.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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