FDA Approves First Pill Form of Wegovy for Weight Loss
The FDA has approved the first pill form of Wegovy, a weight loss treatment previously available only as an injection. The once-daily Wegovy pill is designed to provide the same average weight loss as the injectable version, with clinical trials showing an average reduction of 16.6% body weight. Approximately one-third of around 1,300 participants in the trials achieved weight loss of 20% or more.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, highlighted the pill as a more convenient alternative to injections. The US launch of the Wegovy pill is expected in early January 2026.
This approval occurs amid significant competition in the weight-loss market, including rivals from Eli Lilly. Notably, Novo Nordisk's shares rose about 10% in after-hours trading in New York following the announcement.
While Wegovy is approved specifically for weight loss, a similar drug from Novo Nordisk, Ozempic, is primarily approved for managing Type 2 diabetes, illustrating the different approved uses for these related medications.
