FDA Approves Wegovy Pill for Weight Loss Treatment

The FDA has approved the Wegovy pill, marking it as the first daily oral medication for obesity treatment. This approval gives drugmaker Novo Nordisk an advantage over Eli Lilly, whose oral drug orforglipron is still under review.

Both medications are GLP-1 drugs that mimic a natural hormone controlling appetite. Experts estimate that nearly 100 million Americans suffer from obesity, and the introduction of an oral option could broaden access and reduce costs, particularly for those who struggle with the expensive injectable versions.

Clinical trials showed that participants taking the Wegovy pill lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight over 15 months, comparable to the injectable version, which resulted in about 15% weight loss.

The Wegovy pill must be taken on an empty stomach with a specific drinking protocol to prevent the drug from breaking down in the stomach, while Eli Lilly's orforglipron has no such restrictions. The starting price for the Wegovy pill is set at $149 per month, making it potentially more affordable than current injectable options, which can exceed $1,000 monthly.

The availability of the Wegovy pill is expected in January, with Novo Nordisk already preparing to meet demand following previous shortages of its injectable products. However, challenges remain regarding patient adherence to the strict dosing schedule and insurance coverage, particularly as Medicare currently does not cover weight loss drugs, although the Wegovy pill is approved for lowering heart disease risk, which Medicare does cover.

The approval of Wegovy is seen as a significant advancement in obesity treatment, offering an alternative that could enhance patient options and accessibility.