Tue Dec 23 01:06:10 UTC 2025: Summary:
The U.S. FDA has approved Novo Nordisk’s oral version of Wegovy, a weight-loss drug. This is the first daily oral medication for obesity, giving Novo Nordisk an advantage over Eli Lilly, whose orforglipron is under review. Both are GLP-1 drugs. Wegovy pills are expected within weeks and could expand the market. Clinical trials show the Wegovy pill resulted in 13.6% average weight loss over 15 months. Side effects are similar to the injectable version. The Wegovy pill must be taken on an empty stomach, unlike Lilly’s orforglipron. Oral medications could be cheaper, with a starting dose of Wegovy at $149 per month from some providers. The article quotes doctors and patients about accessibility, affordability, and routines.
News Article:
FDA Approves First Oral Weight-Loss Pill, Wegovy, from Novo Nordisk
Washington, D.C. – December 23, 2025: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Novo Nordisk’s oral version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, marking the first daily oral medication available to treat obesity. This decision gives Novo Nordisk a head start over competitor Eli Lilly, whose oral drug, orforglipron, remains under review.
Both drugs are GLP-1 receptor agonists, mimicking hormones that control appetite and satiety. Injectable forms of GLP-1 drugs, like Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound, have already revolutionized obesity treatment. The new Wegovy pill is expected to be available within weeks.
Clinical trial results showed that participants taking the Wegovy pill experienced an average weight loss of 13.6% over 15 months, compared to 2.2% with a placebo. Like its injectable counterpart, the oral version can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea.
While offering convenience, the Wegovy pill requires specific dosing instructions: taken on an empty stomach with water, followed by a 30-minute wait before eating or drinking. Lilly’s orforglipron has no such restrictions.
Experts anticipate that the availability of oral obesity treatments could expand market access and potentially lower costs. Novo Nordisk is starting a $149 per month dose of Wegovy from some providers.
“There’s an entire demographic that can benefit from the pills,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a Massachusetts General Hospital obesity expert.
Dr. Angela Fitch, an obesity expert, said the biggest benefit will be in making weight-loss medications more widely accessible and affordable.“It’s all about the price,” she said.
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