BREAKING: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has just approved a pill version of Wegovy, the popular weight loss drug, providing a significant breakthrough for patients seeking a needle-free option. This new oral formulation will be available in early January 2024, at a starting price of just $149 per month, making it a more accessible choice compared to the injectable version, which costs around $1,350 monthly before insurance.
This landmark approval marks Wegovy as the first oral GLP-1 drug specifically cleared for weight management. The pill contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as its injectable counterpart, promising similar weight loss results. According to clinical trial data, participants taking the new pill lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight over approximately 64 weeks, a result comparable to that of the injection.
Novo Nordisk, the drugmaker behind Wegovy, announced that the once-daily pill will be available through pharmacies and select telehealth providers. CEO Mike Doustdar emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “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 new pill is designed for adults struggling with obesity or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition. It also aims to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, in eligible patients.
The surge in demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs has been notable, with a recent survey by health policy research group KFF revealing that about 12% of adult Americans are currently using a GLP-1 medication like Wegovy or Ozempic to lose weight or manage chronic conditions. This figure has increased by six percentage points over the past 18 months, highlighting a growing trend in the pursuit of weight loss solutions.
However, affordability remains a concern for many users. The KFF survey reported that nearly half of those taking a GLP-1 drug find it difficult to afford their treatment, even with insurance coverage.
As Novo Nordisk prepares for the launch of Wegovy’s oral version, patients eagerly anticipate a more convenient and budget-friendly option for weight management. Expect more details about coverage and savings options as the release date approaches.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the Wegovy pill hits the market, potentially reshaping the landscape of weight loss treatments in the U.S.
