On January 5, 2026, Novo Nordisk officially launched the oral version of Wegovy (semaglutide) in the United States. This marks a significant breakthrough as the first oral GLP-1 medication available for obesity, offering a daily pill alternative to the previously standard weekly injections.
Indications and clinical efficacy The FDA-approved pill is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight conditions featuring at least one weight-related comorbidity. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with established heart disease.
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Trial data: According to the OASIS 4 Phase III trial, participants taking the daily pill alongside lifestyle changes achieved an average weight loss of 13.6% over 64 weeks, compared to 2.4% in the placebo group.
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Peak performance: Clinical observations suggest that patients who strictly adhere to the treatment regimen can achieve weight reduction of approximately 17%.
Availability and pricing structures
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Rollout: The 1.5 mg starter dose became available via prescription on Monday. Higher dosage strengths are scheduled for release by the end of the week.
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Cost: Affordability options for self-pay patients begin at $149 per month for the initial dose. Patients with commercial insurance may pay as little as $25 per month through available savings programs.
The introduction of an oral delivery method is expected to bridge the gap for individuals seeking effective medical weight management who prefer to avoid injectable therapies, potentially increasing treatment adherence and access nationwide.
Source: https://www.pharmexec.com/view/novo-nordisk-wegovy-pill-becomes-first-oral-glp-available-us