The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new oral version of Wegovy, providing a more affordable and convenient alternative to the existing injectable formulation. The once-daily pill, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, will be available at an introductory price of $149 per month, significantly lower than the injectable version, which costs approximately $1,350 monthly before insurance.
This approval marks a significant milestone as Wegovy becomes the first pill-based GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drug specifically authorized for weight management. Drugmaker Novo Nordisk is set to launch the new pill in the U.S. in early January 2024, making it accessible through pharmacies and select telehealth providers.
The new oral formulation is aimed at adults struggling with obesity or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition. Additionally, it is approved for reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in certain patients.
Clinical Results and Side Effects
In a late-stage clinical trial involving over 300 participants, those taking the Wegovy pill experienced an average weight loss of 16.6% over approximately 64 weeks. This result is comparable to the weight loss achieved with the injectable version. Common side effects reported, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, mirrored those experienced by users of the injection.
Novo Nordisk’s CEO, Mike Doustdar, expressed optimism about the new offering, stating, “With today’s approval of the Wegovy pill, patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection.”
Growing Demand for Weight-Loss Medications
The demand for GLP-1 weight-loss medications has surged significantly in recent years. A recent survey conducted by the health policy research group, KFF, found that approximately 12% of adult Americans are currently using a GLP-1 drug like Wegovy or Ozempic to lose weight or manage chronic conditions. This figure represents an increase of about six percentage points compared to 18 months ago.
Despite the rising interest, affordability remains a challenge. The KFF survey revealed that nearly half of those using GLP-1 drugs find them difficult to afford, even with insurance coverage. As Wegovy’s pill version enters the market, it is expected to address some of these concerns by offering a more cost-effective option for those seeking weight management solutions.
As the launch date approaches, Novo Nordisk plans to provide additional details regarding coverage and savings options for higher doses and eligible patients. The introduction of this new product could reshape the landscape of weight-loss medications, making them more accessible to a broader audience.
