The global healthcare market has reached a historic milestone with the FDA’s official approval of the oral tablet formulation of Wegovy (semaglutide). This marks the world’s first oral GLP-1 therapy specifically authorized for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in individuals with obesity or overweight conditions.
The new product from Novo Nordisk is scheduled for pharmacy shelves in early January 2026. Featuring a daily maintenance dose of up to 25 mg, this medication aims to transform treatment outcomes for the approximately 98% of the U.S. obese population who have not yet utilized pharmacological interventions. Notably, the announced self-pay price starts at just $149 per month, a record low for this class of medicine.
Clinical data from the Oasis-4 trial indicates that the oral version offers efficacy comparable to the injectable form, achieving an average weight reduction of 16.6% compared to the placebo group. The primary advantages of the tablet include convenience, the elimination of cold-chain storage requirements, and better suitability for patients with needle phobia. This regulatory victory grants Novo Nordisk a temporary lead over its chief rival, Eli Lilly, in the metabolic drug race, reinforcing its leadership in personalized medical treatment strategies.