FDA Approves Wegovy for Weight Loss Pills

This is the first FDA-approved oral (daily) GLP-1 therapy for weight loss under the Wegovy brand, Reuters notes.

According to the clinical trial, participants taking the pill experienced an average weight loss of about 13.6% over 71 weeks, compared with just over 2% in the placebo group. It is noted that the dosage in the tablet is higher than in the injection form, since semaglutide is less absorbed when taken orally.

Novo Nordisk said the drug will be available in the US starting in early 2026. The company previously indicated a target of $149 per month for the starting (low) dose for direct purchase, but has not yet fully disclosed the detailed price schedule.

The approval increases competition in the weight-loss drug market, with drug companies including Eli Lilly also pursuing oral GLP-1 drugs in hopes of attracting patients who don’t want injections.