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FDA Approves First Oral Wegovy Weight-Loss Pill as U.S. Availability Begins

The daily semaglutide pill offers a non-injectable option with weight-loss results comparable to the weekly shot.

Overview

  • Novo Nordisk says the initial 1.5 mg dose is now in pharmacies and select telemedicine outlets, with higher strengths rolling out by the end of the week.
  • Cash prices start at $149 per month for the starter dose, rise for higher doses up to $299, and compare with $349 per month for the injectable version for self-pay customers.
  • Patients must take the pill on an empty stomach with a small amount of water and wait at least 30 minutes before food, drinks, or other medicines.
  • Clinical trials reported about 14% average weight loss at 64 weeks for the pill versus roughly 2% with placebo, with a side-effect profile similar to the injection.
  • Novo Nordisk reports U.S. manufacturing in North Carolina and expects to meet demand, while Eli Lilly’s oral orforglipron is expected to seek FDA approval later this year.