Novo Nordisk Unveils Groundbreaking Weight Loss Pill: Now Accessible Nationwide
On January 5, 2026, Novo Nordisk made history by launching the first-ever GLP-1 weight loss pill in the United States, marking a significant milestone in obesity treatment. The oral Wegovy pill is now available at over 70,000 U.S. pharmacies, including CVS and Costco, as well as through select telehealth providers such as Ro, LifeMD, and Weight Watchers.
The FDA-approved once-daily pill offers a convenient alternative to weekly injections and is priced significantly lower. The starting dose of 1.5 milligrams is available for $149 per month, with the highest doses (9mg and 25mg) priced at $299 monthly—far below the roughly $1,000 monthly list price of injectable versions.
Results from the OASIS 4 clinical trial showcased the pill’s impressive efficacy. Participants taking the highest dose of oral semaglutide achieved an average weight loss of 16.6% after 64 weeks when treatment adherence was maintained, compared to just 2.7% with placebo. When analyzing all patients regardless of whether they stopped the drug, average weight loss was 13.6% versus 2.2% for placebo.
“The pill is here. With today’s approval of the Wegovy pill, patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection,” said Mike Doustdar, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk. The treatment is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with obesity and established cardiovascular disease.
The pill is manufactured in Novo Nordisk’s North Carolina facilities, with the company stating robust supply is on hand to avoid the shortages that plagued previous injectable launches.
Source: CNBC