The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new pill version of Wegovy, providing a more affordable and convenient option for weight management. This oral formulation, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is set to launch in the United States in early January 2024, according to drugmaker Novo Nordisk.
The once-daily pill will be available at a starting price of $149 per month, significantly lower than the injectable version, which costs approximately $1,350 per month before insurance or discounts. This move aims to make weight-loss treatment more accessible to a broader range of patients.
Clinical Trial Success and Patient Benefits
In a late-stage clinical trial involving over 300 participants, those taking the Wegovy pill lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight over about 64 weeks while adhering to the treatment. Novo Nordisk emphasized that this weight loss is comparable to that achieved with the injectable version of Wegovy. The pill is specifically approved for adults facing obesity or those who are overweight with at least one associated health condition. It also aims to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.
Novo Nordisk’s CEO, Mike Doustdar, expressed optimism about the new product: “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.”
Although side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting were reported, they mirrored those associated with the injectable form, suggesting a similar safety profile.
Growing Demand for Weight-Loss Drugs
The demand for GLP-1 weight-loss medications has surged in recent years, driven by increasing awareness and acceptance of these treatments. A survey conducted by the health policy research group KFF found that approximately 12% of adult Americans reported using a GLP-1 drug like Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss or chronic condition management. This figure has risen by six percentage points since early 2022.
Despite the growing interest, affordability remains a significant barrier. The same survey indicated that about half of the respondents using GLP-1 medications found it challenging to afford their treatment, even with insurance coverage. As Wegovy’s pill enters the market, it is expected to address some of these financial concerns by providing a more budget-friendly alternative.
As the launch date approaches, Novo Nordisk plans to release further details regarding coverage and savings options for eligible patients, particularly for those requiring higher doses. The introduction of the Wegovy pill could mark a pivotal change in the landscape of weight management treatments, making effective solutions more attainable for those in need.
