URGENT UPDATE: The FDA has just approved a revolutionary pill version of Wegovy, set to launch in the US in early January 2024. This new needle-free option will cost just $149 per month, making it significantly more affordable than the current injectable version priced around $1,350 monthly.
This breakthrough comes as demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs surges, with many Americans struggling to afford existing treatments. The oral Wegovy, containing the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as its injectable counterpart, offers patients a simpler, once-daily solution to weight management. This is particularly vital as approximately 12% of adults in the US are now using GLP-1 medications for weight loss or other health conditions.
According to Mike Doustdar, CEO of Novo Nordisk, “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 clinical trials demonstrated promising results, with participants losing an average of 16.6% of their body weight over approximately 64 weeks.
The pill is aimed at adults facing obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition. Additionally, it is approved to help reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, in certain patients.
As the launch date approaches, Novo Nordisk plans to provide more information regarding insurance coverage and savings options for eligible patients, ensuring broader access to this vital medication.
The launch of Wegovy in pill form is expected to reshape the weight-loss drug landscape, offering an easier and more cost-effective option for individuals seeking to manage their weight effectively. With half of current GLP-1 users reporting difficulties in affording their medications, the availability of this pill could have a significant impact on public health.
Stay tuned for more updates as Novo Nordisk reveals additional details leading up to the launch.
