US FDA Approves Wegovy Pill for Weight Loss
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved an oral version of Novo Nordisk’s popular weight loss drug Wegovy, marking a significant expansion in obesity treatment options. The approval allows Wegovy to be taken as a daily pill instead of an injection, making it the first GLP-1 based weight loss medication cleared in tablet form in the United States.
What the approval covers
The Wegovy pill contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in the injectable version of the drug. It is approved for use in adults who are obese, as well as overweight adults with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. The medication is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Clinical results and safety
Clinical trials showed that patients taking the Wegovy pill experienced significant weight reduction over the treatment period, with results broadly comparable to those seen with injectable semaglutide. Common side effects reported during trials included nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort, consistent with other GLP-1 drugs already in use. Regulators said the overall safety profile met approval standards.
Why this matters
Until now, GLP-1 based weight loss treatments have largely been available only as injections. The pill format is expected to appeal to patients who are reluctant to use injectable medicines and could help widen access to medical weight management.
Market impact
Novo Nordisk said the oral Wegovy pill will be made available in the US market in the coming months. The approval strengthens the company’s position in the fast-growing global obesity treatment market.
