The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, according to pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk.
This marks a new era as it is the first pill of its kind to receive approval from the regulator. Wegovy's Danish makers tout the once-daily pill as a convenient option compared to its injectable counterpart and assert that it will deliver similar weight loss results.
Following the FDA's approval specifically for weight loss, Wegovy's injectable form has led to noteworthy weight management results for many users. In contrast, other drugs like Ozempic, which also aids in weight loss, were primarily approved for managing Type 2 diabetes.
The new Wegovy pill demonstrated an average weight loss of 16.6% during clinical trials, with a third of approximately 1,300 participants experiencing a weight loss of 20% or more. The pill's launch in the US is anticipated for early January 2026.
Mike Doustdar, the firm's chief executive, expressed confidence by stating, Patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection. This new development could significantly enhance Novo Nordisk's sales following a challenging year where shares experienced declines due to profit warnings.
As pressure mounts from competitors like Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk's shares increased by nearly 10% in post-market trading following the announcement of the pill's approval.
The BBC has reached out to the FDA for additional comments regarding the new approval.
