Novo Nordisk has launched an oral form of its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in the United States, providing a daily pill alternative to the previously available injectable versions. The medication, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December and is intended for use in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Availability and Regulatory Status
The daily oral Wegovy pill is now accessible to consumers with valid prescriptions at pharmacies nationwide and through telehealth partnerships. Novo Nordisk stated that the launch aims to ensure accessibility through various channels, including commercial insurance, from the initial day of availability. The FDA approved the pill version of Wegovy in December.
Ed Cinca, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Patient Solutions at Novo Nordisk, described the drug as a "significant innovation" and the "first and only" GLP-1 pill for weight loss.
Active Ingredient and Mechanism
The active ingredient in the new Wegovy pill is semaglutide, which is identical to the compound found in the injectable versions of Wegovy and Ozempic. The medication functions by decelerating the passage of food through the stomach and reducing appetite, contributing to weight loss.
Dosage and Administration
The oral medication is available in various doses, including an initial 1.5 milligrams and a 4-milligram dose. Users are instructed to take the Wegovy pill daily, 30 minutes before consuming any other medication, food, or coffee. Unlike its injectable counterparts, the oral pill does not require refrigeration and is noted for being less expensive to produce.
Pricing and Access
For self-paying patients, the initial 1.5-milligram dose is priced at $149 per month. A 4-milligram dose is also available at $149 until April 15, after which its cost will increase to $199 per month. Without insurance, the monthly cost for the oral pill ranges between $149 and $299, depending on the dosage. For insured individuals, the projected copay is $25 or less per month, contingent on insurance coverage. The weekly injectable version of Wegovy typically costs more than $300 per month without insurance.
Clinical Trial Results and Side Effects
Phase 3 clinical trials for the oral medication indicated that participants experienced an average body weight reduction of approximately 14%. Those who continued treatment demonstrated an average reduction of 17%. These weight loss results were reported as comparable to those achieved with the injectable forms of the drug.
Reported side effects are similar to those of the injectable form and primarily include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Market Context and Competition
The introduction of the oral Wegovy pill offers an alternative to injectable treatments, which have been a dominant form of weight-loss medication. A recent KFF survey indicated that approximately 1 in 8 Americans have utilized an injectable GLP-1 drug for weight loss or other medical conditions.
Eli Lilly, a competitor to Novo Nordisk, is developing its own GLP-1 pill, orforglipron, which is currently undergoing FDA review.