A groundbreaking development in weight-loss treatment has arrived without the need for needles. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to an oral version of Wegovy from Novo Nordisk, marking the first GLP-1 pill approved for addressing obesity.
Traditionally, highly effective GLP-1 medications have only been administered through injections. However, this newly approved pill offers a convenient once-daily option that delivers results comparable to its injectable counterpart. In late-stage trials, patients taking the highest dose experienced a weight loss of approximately 14 percent, mirroring the effects of injectable Wegovy. Furthermore, like the injectable version, the pill is also endorsed for reducing cardiovascular risk.
As daily pill alternatives enter the conversation around GLP-1 treatments, here’s what patients need to know.
Featured Experts
- Andrea Traina, Pharm D, is an obesity director at Novo Nordisk
- Dave Moore, executive vice president of U.S. operations at Novo Nordisk
How Oral Wegovy Changes the GLP-1 Landscape
The approval of the oral version of Wegovy expands the treatment options for obesity. Andrea Traina, PharmD, obesity medical director at Novo Nordisk, notes, “We now have a medication that’s proven for safety and efficacy beyond the scale available in a daily pill with a similar safety and efficacy profile to the once-weekly injection. That’s really first of its kind.”
The convenience of the oral option may appeal to individuals who are hesitant about injections or seek a treatment that seamlessly fits into their daily routine. Traina emphasizes, “Obesity treatment isn’t one size fits all,” highlighting how offering both a weekly injection and a daily pill allows for personalized care based on lifestyle and patient preference.
Designed to be intuitive for patients, the Wegovy pill aims to simplify the treatment process. Dave Moore, executive vice president of U.S. operations at Novo Nordisk, states, “With Wegovy pill, you can sip and go. Thirty minutes goes fast, and we believe the Wegovy pill fits seamlessly into the morning routine.”
Which Patients May Benefit Most
Oral Wegovy may particularly appeal to individuals interested in GLP-1 treatment but hesitant about injections. It could be a viable option for newcomers to weight-loss therapy and those looking for a daily pill that doesn’t require refrigeration. Additionally, patients who associate injections with more serious conditions, even when outcomes are similar, may find the oral option more appealing, providing another layer of choice in integrating treatment into daily life.
The Science Behind Oral Wegovy
Developing an effective GLP-1 pill presented challenges, as Semaglutide is a peptide not naturally designed to survive the digestive tract. Traina explains, “Figuring out how to get even one to two percent absorbed safely and effectively took years of research.” The tablet creates a localized environment in the stomach that temporarily increases absorption, a process that takes about 30 minutes and necessitates taking the pill before eating.
Oral Wegovy is set to debut in early January. While pricing for additional doses is yet to be disclosed, Novo Nordisk plans to share those details upon launch.