Introduction of Oral Weight-Loss Medication in the United States

A pill form of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, made by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, is now available in the United States, providing Americans with an oral medication to treat obesity.

Availability and Pricing

The starting dose of the daily Wegovy pill is 1.5 milligrams and is available for self-pay at $149 per month. A 4 mg dose of the drug is also available at the same price until April 15, after which the cost will increase to $199.

Significance of the New Drug

According to Ed Cinca, senior vice president of marketing and patient solutions at Novo Nordisk, the new drug represents a “significant innovation” and is the “first and only” GLP-1 weight loss pill. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the pill version of Wegovy in December.

Comparison to Existing Treatments

The Novo Nordisk pill contains 25 milligrams of semaglutide, the same ingredient as the injectables Wegovy and Ozempic. It also has similar side effects to the injectable version of the drug, including nausea and diarrhea. The new Wegovy pill offers Americans an alternative and more convenient option than injectable treatments that have dominated the weight loss market.

Efficacy and Intended Use

Like the injectable version of Wegovy, the pill is intended to help patients lose weight when combined with diet and exercise. People who took the oral drug during Phase 3 clinical trials lost about 14% of their body weight, while those who continued treatment lost about 17%.