The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new oral version of Wegovy, offering patients a needle-free alternative for weight management. The pill, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, will be available in early January 2024 at a starting price of $149 per month. This new formulation represents a significant reduction in cost compared to the injectable version, which can exceed $1,350 monthly before insurance or discounts.
Wegovy’s oral pill, which contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as its injectable counterpart, is the first pill-based GLP-1 receptor agonist approved specifically for weight management. This approval marks a pivotal moment for patients seeking effective weight-loss solutions without the need for injections.
In a late-stage clinical trial involving over 300 patients, participants taking the pill lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight over approximately 64 weeks, demonstrating efficacy comparable to the injectable form. During the trial, side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting were reported at rates similar to those experienced with the injectable version.
Mike Doustdar, CEO of Novo Nordisk, expressed optimism about the pill’s potential impact, stating, “With today’s approval of the Wegovy pill, patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection.” The new medication is indicated for adults with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition. It is also approved for reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in certain patients.
The demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs has surged in recent years. According to a survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) in late October and early November, approximately 12% of adult Americans reported using a GLP-1 drug like Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss or management of chronic conditions. This figure represents an increase of about six percentage points compared to 18 months ago.
Despite the growing interest in these medications, many users face difficulties in affording them. The KFF survey revealed that nearly half of the respondents using GLP-1 drugs found it challenging to manage costs, even with insurance coverage.
Novo Nordisk plans to provide additional details on coverage and savings options for higher doses and eligible patients prior to the commercial launch. The introduction of Wegovy in pill form could significantly enhance accessibility for individuals seeking effective weight management solutions, marking a notable advancement in the field of obesity treatment.
