The healthcare industry has reached a significant milestone with the FDA’s official approval of the tablet version of semaglutide (Wegovy). This oral alternative to the well-known weekly injection aims to eliminate psychological barriers for patients who are hesitant about needles. According to the rollout plan, this medication will be available for prescription starting next January.
Clinical trials indicate that the pill form delivers weight reduction results comparable to the injectable version (approximately 14%). However, users must adhere to a strict administration protocol: the tablet must be taken on an empty stomach, followed by a 30-minute period of no food, drink, or other medications. This requirement is crucial for ensuring proper absorption of the active ingredient.
On the economic front, the starting price for self-paying patients is set at $149 per month for the lowest dose. Nevertheless, medical experts point out that this is merely a “loading dose” price, and actual costs may escalate as patients titrate to higher maintenance doses for maximum efficacy. The market is expected to become even more competitive as Eli Lilly’s rival candidate (orforglipron) is anticipated to launch next summer, touting greater convenience with no dietary restrictions, potentially triggering a fierce rivalry over ease of use and affordability in the near future.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/22/health/wegovy-pill-glp1-weight-loss-drugs