Novo Nordisk has made the Wegovy pill widely available in the United States, offering adults seeking weight management a new oral GLP-1 treatment option for the first time. This development provides hope for the more than 100 million Americans living with obesity. The pill was approved on December 22, 2025, for use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with obesity or those who are overweight with weight-related health conditions. It is designed to help patients lose weight and maintain those results over time.
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Ed Cinca, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Patient Solutions at Novo Nordisk, stated that many individuals have been waiting for a weight loss treatment that fits their needs, and the introduction of the Wegovy pill now meets that demand. He highlighted that the pill represents a significant innovation as the first and only oral GLP-1 for weight loss, with clinical trials showing approximately 17 percent weight loss when patients followed the full treatment plan. Cinca emphasized that Novo Nordisk has focused on making the pill both accessible and affordable so patients can receive care in ways that work best for them.
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The Wegovy pill builds on the established efficacy of the Wegovy injection (semaglutide 2.4 mg), which has helped millions of patients since its approval in 2021. Phase 3 clinical trials for the pill demonstrated an average weight reduction of 16.6 percent among patients who remained on treatment, compared with 2.7 percent for placebo. Across all participants, including those who did not stay on treatment, the average weight loss was 13.6 percent for the pill compared to 2.4 percent for placebo. These results highlight the significant benefits of oral GLP-1 therapy in supporting meaningful weight loss.
The once-daily oral dosage makes the Wegovy pill a convenient option for patients looking to integrate weight management into their daily routines. Clinical trials reported common side effects similar to the injectable version, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Novo Nordisk continues to explore innovative ways to deliver treatment, including partnerships and telehealth services, to ensure patients have safe, FDA-approved options and avoid unregulated alternatives. The pill is available through major pharmacies like CVS and Costco, telehealth providers such as Ro, LifeMD, and Weight Watchers, as well as NovoCare Pharmacy, GoodRx, and other platforms.
Wegovy pill is offered with a variety of affordability options. Patients paying out of pocket can begin treatment at around $5 per day, or $149 per month for the starting 1.5 mg dose. The 4 mg dose is available for $149 per month through April 15, 2026, before increasing to $199 per month, and higher doses will be available for $299 per month. Patients with commercial insurance may pay as little as $25 per month with the Wegovy savings program, further enhancing access for those who can benefit from this new oral weight loss treatment.
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