The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new oral version of Wegovy, a medication designed for weight management. This pill offers a more affordable and convenient option for patients, costing approximately $149 per month. The approval marks a significant development in the weight-loss sector, as it provides a needle-free alternative to the previously available weekly injections.
Novo Nordisk, the drugmaker behind Wegovy, announced that the pill will be available starting in early January 2024. The oral formulation contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the injectable version, and is the first pill-based GLP-1 drug approved specifically for weight management.
Accessibility and Cost Comparison
The 1.5 milligram starting dose will be accessible through pharmacies and select telehealth providers, significantly lower than the list price of the injectable form, which is around $1,350 per month before insurance or discounts. Novo Nordisk indicated that more information regarding insurance coverage and savings options will be released closer to the launch.
Mike Doustdar, CEO of Novo Nordisk, emphasized the importance of this approval, 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 pill is intended for adults classified as obese or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition.
Clinical Trial Results and Side Effects
In clinical trials involving over 300 participants, those taking the pill lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight over approximately 64 weeks. This level of weight loss is comparable to what has been observed with the injectable version. Side effects reported were similar to those experienced by injection users, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
The demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wegovy has surged in recent years, despite their high costs. According to a survey conducted by the health policy research group KFF, about 12% of over 1,300 adult Americans reported using a GLP-1 drug like Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss or other chronic conditions. This figure reflects a significant increase from 18 months ago.
The survey also highlighted the financial difficulties many users face, with around half of those taking a GLP-1 drug indicating challenges in affording their medication, even with insurance coverage. As the Wegovy pill prepares for its market debut, it may provide a more accessible option for individuals seeking effective weight management solutions.
