US regulator approves pill form of Wegovy weight-loss drug
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill version of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, according to its manufacturer, pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. The approval marks a major milestone, making Wegovy the first weight-loss pill of its kind to receive FDA authorization.
Until now, Wegovy has only been available as an injectable medication. Novo Nordisk says the new once-daily pill offers a more convenient alternative while delivering the same weight-loss results as the injection.
Wegovy was previously approved by the FDA specifically for weight loss, setting it apart from similar drugs such as Ozempic, which are primarily approved for treating Type 2 diabetes but are often used off-label for weight management.
Clinical Trial Results Show Significant Weight Loss
According to Novo Nordisk, clinical trials of the Wegovy pill showed an average weight loss of 16.6% among participants. The trial involved around 1,300 people, and nearly one-third of participants experienced 20% or greater weight loss, highlighting the pill’s strong effectiveness.
The company confirmed that the pill is expected to be launched in the United States in early January 2026.
A Convenient Alternative to Injections
“Patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection,” said Mike Doustdar, Chief Executive Officer of Novo Nordisk.
The pill version could significantly expand access to weight-loss treatment, particularly for people who are hesitant to use injections.
Market Impact and Competition
The approval comes at a critical time for Novo Nordisk, following a challenging year in which the company warned about profits and saw its share price decline. The weight-loss drug market has become increasingly competitive, with strong pressure from rival pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly.
Following the announcement, Novo Nordisk’s shares rose nearly 10% in after-hours trading in New York, signaling strong investor confidence in the new product.