The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new, oral version of Wegovy, a medication widely used for weight management. This once-daily pill offers a more affordable and convenient alternative to the injectable form, which has gained popularity in recent years. According to drugmaker Novo Nordisk, the pill will be available starting in early January 2024 at a price of $149 per month.
This approval marks a significant milestone, as Wegovy becomes the first pill-based GLP-1 medication specifically approved for weight management. It contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the injectable version. The oral formulation addresses the growing demand for needle-free options, particularly among individuals who may be hesitant to use injections.
Cost and Accessibility
The pricing of the new pill is notably lower than the injectable Wegovy, which typically costs around $1,350 per month prior to insurance or discounts. Novo Nordisk has indicated that more details regarding insurance coverage and potential savings options will be provided as the launch date approaches.
Mike Doustdar, CEO of Novo Nordisk, emphasized the importance of this new option for patients, 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.”
The pill is indicated for adults who are classified as obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition. Additionally, it has been approved to help reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, in certain patients.
Clinical Trial Results
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 mirrors the weight loss seen in individuals using the injectable form of Wegovy.
While the side effects reported with the oral version include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, these are similar to those observed with the injection, suggesting a consistent safety profile across both formats.
The demand for GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, has surged recently. A survey conducted by the health policy research group KFF in late October and early November revealed that around 12% of adult Americans reported using a GLP-1 drug, either for weight management or to treat diabetes and other chronic conditions. This figure has increased by six percentage points since early 2022.
Despite the growing number of users, many are facing financial challenges. The survey indicated that nearly half of the individuals using a GLP-1 medication find it difficult to afford, even when insurance coverage is available.
The introduction of the Wegovy pill is poised to make weight management more accessible for many individuals, potentially transforming the landscape of obesity treatment in the United States. As Novo Nordisk prepares for the launch, further details on pricing and coverage options will be crucial in determining the impact of this new offering on the market.
