FDA Approves Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Pill for Weight Loss in Adults

The FDA approved Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill for adults with obesity or overweight and related health conditions. Available from January at $149 per month, it offers a daily alternative to weekly injections, improving access and affordability. Obesity affects 40% of US adults and 21% of children. Eli Lilly’s daily pill, orforglipron, is expected to be approved in 2026.

The US Food and Drug Administration has officially approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, produced by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. This approval marks a significant development in the treatment of obesity, offering a new option for adults struggling with weight management. The pill is intended for chronic weight management in adults who are classified as obese or overweight and who also have at least one related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. This development is particularly important because it provides an alternative to injectable medications, which many patients find cumbersome, costly, or difficult to administer regularly.
The active ingredient in the Wegovy pill is semaglutide, which is also the key component in Novo Nordisk’s other drugs, including the injectable Wegovy and Ozempic, both primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Previously, the FDA had approved an oral form of semaglutide for diabetes, marketed under the name Rybelsus. The approval of the Wegovy pill builds on this foundation, expanding the availability of semaglutide-based treatments specifically for weight loss.
Novo Nordisk has indicated that the pill will be available in a starting dose of 1.5 milligrams beginning in early January. The cost from some providers is expected to be $149 (€126) per month, although more detailed pricing information will become available later in January. This daily pill gives healthcare providers an additional tool for prescribing GLP-1 receptor agonist medications for obesity, potentially increasing patient access while reducing overall treatment costs compared with weekly injections.
Traditionally, weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound are administered as weekly injections, which some patients find inconvenient. By providing a daily oral alternative, the Wegovy pill could make adherence to treatment easier and more consistent, potentially improving outcomes for patients struggling with obesity.
Obesity remains a major public health challenge in the United States, where approximately 40% of adults and 21% of children and teenagers are classified as obese, according to the Trust for a Better Health’s State of Obesity Report 2025. The health consequences of obesity include increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions, making effective and accessible treatment options critical. A recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that one in eight Americans, or 12%, currently use GLP-1 medications for weight loss or other chronic conditions. However, many patients report difficulty affording these medications, particularly the expensive weekly injections, highlighting the need for more accessible and cost-effective options.
In a related development, former US President Donald Trump announced deals with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly aimed at reducing the prices of some weight-loss drugs. These agreements are intended to provide greater affordability for patients while ensuring certainty around trade tariffs.
The FDA’s approval of the Wegovy pill may also help revitalize Novo Nordisk’s position in the market following a challenging period marked by declining shares and slower sales of the injectable Wegovy. Currently, Lilly’s Zepbound leads the US weight-loss drug market. Following the announcement of the pill’s approval, Novo Nordisk’s US-listed shares rose by 8%, reflecting investor confidence in the potential impact of the oral version on the company’s growth.
To ensure adequate availability, Novo Nordisk is manufacturing the Wegovy pill in the United States and has been building up supplies in preparation for its launch, according to David Moore, the company’s executive vice president of US operations. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly is also developing a daily weight-loss pill called orforglipron, which is currently under FDA review for both diabetes and weight loss, with approval anticipated in early 2026.
Patients taking the Wegovy oral semaglutide will need to follow specific administration guidelines, taking the pill in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before consuming any food, drink, or other oral medications. In contrast, Lilly’s upcoming pill, if approved, will not require such restrictions, potentially offering additional convenience for patients.
The approval of the Wegovy pill represents a meaningful step forward in obesity treatment, providing a more flexible, patient-friendly alternative to injections. It may expand access to effective weight-loss therapy for a broader population of adults struggling with obesity or overweight-related health conditions, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and greater patient adherence.