BREAKING: The US Food and Drug Administration has just approved a groundbreaking pill version of Wegovy, set to launch in early January 2024. This new, needle-free option promises to make weight loss more accessible with a starting price of only $149 per month—a significant reduction from the injectable version, which can cost around $1,350 monthly.
Novo Nordisk announced the approval today, stating that the oral Wegovy will be the first pill-based GLP-1 drug specifically cleared for weight management. This means patients can now take a once-daily pill containing semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the popular injectable version.
Clinical trial results show that patients taking the pill lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight over approximately 64 weeks. This weight loss is comparable to that achieved with the injectable version. The pill is designed for adults struggling with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition, and it also aims to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes, according to Novo Nordisk.
“This approval provides patients with a convenient, once-daily option that can help them achieve similar weight loss results as the original Wegovy injection,” said Mike Doustdar, CEO of Novo Nordisk. As demand for weight-loss medications continues to rise, this affordable alternative is expected to address the financial barriers many patients face.
In a recent survey by health policy research group KFF, approximately 12% of adult Americans reported currently using a GLP-1 drug for weight loss or chronic conditions, reflecting a significant increase in just 18 months. However, the cost remains a challenge for many, with nearly half of users citing affordability issues even with insurance coverage.
The Wegovy pill will soon be available through pharmacies and select telehealth providers, making it easier for patients to access this innovative treatment. As the launch date approaches, Novo Nordisk plans to provide further details on coverage and savings options for those who qualify.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent health development that could change the landscape of weight management in the United States.
