Mon Jan 05 13:10:00 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
Summary:
Novo Nordisk is launching the first oral GLP-1 weight loss drug, Wegovy pill, in the US on Monday. This marks a significant step in obesity treatment due to its affordability compared to existing injectable options. The drug, approved by the FDA, will be available at various pharmacies and telehealth providers with cash prices ranging from $149 to $299 per month, depending on the dose. Patients with insurance can pay as little as $25. The starting dose is widely accessible, with higher doses coming later in the week. The drug has shown significant weight loss results in clinical trials and is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. Novo Nordisk’s move gives them a competitive edge in the burgeoning weight loss drug market before a rival pill from Eli Lilly is reviewed by the FDA.
News Article:
Novo Nordisk Launches Affordable Wegovy Pill, Revolutionizing US Weight Loss Treatment
NEW YORK, NY – Novo Nordisk is set to launch its groundbreaking oral weight loss drug, the Wegovy pill, across the United States on Monday, potentially revolutionizing the way obesity is treated. The launch marks a new era of accessibility due to its comparatively low cash prices, ranging from $149 to $299 per month, depending on the dosage.
The FDA approved Wegovy pill just two weeks ago. It will be available in more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, including CVS and Costco, as well as via telehealth providers like Ro, LifeMD, Weight Watchers, GoodRx, and Novo Nordisk’s NovoCare Pharmacy. While the starting dose of 1.5mg is immediately available, higher doses will roll out later this week.
“This moment is about changing what’s possible in weight management,” said Ed Cinca, Novo Nordisk’s senior vice president of marketing and patient solutions. “We have worked to ensure [the Wegovy pill] is affordable and accessible to those who need it, however they choose to receive their care.”
For cash-paying customers, the starting dose and a 4mg dose will both be available for $149 per month through April 15th. After, the 4mg dose will cost $199. Higher doses (9mg and 25mg) will cost $299. Patients with insurance coverage may pay as little as $25 per month. In addition, the starting dose will also be available through TrumpRx, a website associated with former President Donald Trump, at the same $149/month price.
Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone in the gut, suppressing appetite and helping patients achieve significant weight loss. Clinical trials showed patients on the highest dose losing an average of 16.6% of their body weight over 64 weeks. The FDA has also approved the drug to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with obesity and existing heart disease.
The launch gives Novo Nordisk a significant head start in the competitive GLP-1 market before the FDA reviews a rival oral treatment from Eli Lilly later this year. Pills are expected to capture 24% share of the 2030 global weight loss drug market, which some analysts say could be worth roughly $100 billion.
The introduction of an affordable and accessible oral option is expected to expand the reach of GLP-1 treatments to the more than 100 million Americans living with obesity.
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