FDA Greenlights Wegovy: The First Oral GLP-1 Pill for Weight Loss
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given its approval to Wegovy (oral semaglutide), marking it as the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. This approval signifies a substantial shift in the treatment of obesity. Novo Nordisk, the company behind the drug, announced this approval on December 22, 2025, and plans to launch the once-daily oral medication in early January 2026.
This approval is grounded on the results from the OASIS clinical trials. These trials demonstrated a mean weight loss of 13.6% at 64 weeks when the pill was combined with lifestyle counseling. The Wegovy pill provides a convenient alternative to weekly injections for individuals grappling with obesity or overweight conditions. Novo Nordisk will offer the oral Wegovy pill starting at approximately $149 for a month’s supply without insurance—a significant reduction from the $349 monthly cost for injectable versions.
“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 oral option is anticipated to improve long-term adherence by offering patients a non-injectable alternative with similar metabolic benefits. Eli Lilly, a competitor, is expected to gain FDA approval for its oral GLP-1 pill, orforglipron, later in 2026.
Source: www.ajmc.com