New tablet form of Wegovy weight-loss drug approved in the US

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a tablet version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, according to pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk.

Although Oral Semaglutide is already on the market in the UK as the brand Rybelsus, this is currently licensed for Type 2 Diabetes. However, Rybelsus can be prescribed off-label for weight loss within the UK by a qualified healthcare professional, which is helpful for those who do not like injections or have needle phobia. This will mark the first tablet specifically approved for weight loss, marking a new era for weight-loss drugs.

Wegovy, the once-weekly injectable version of Semaglutide

Wegovy, the once-weekly injectable version of Semaglutide, comes from Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk has said the once-daily pill will be a "convenient option" to the injectable and would provide the same weight loss as the jab. It comes after Wegovy was approved globally for weight loss. Wegovy originated as Ozempic, which is primarily approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Novo Nordisk, a global player in the GLP-1 weight loss market

The Wegovy pill showed an average weight loss of 16.6% during Novo Nordisk's trials, the firm said, external on Monday.

A third of around 1,300 participants experienced 20% or greater weight loss in the same trial, it added.

The pill is expected to be launched in the US in early January 2026, with Novo working on approval within the EU and the UK soon after.

"Patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection," said Mike Doustdar, the firm's chief executive.

The pill version of Wegovy could give Novo Nordisk's sales a boost after a challenging year which saw its shares slide as it warned over its profits. The company has faced intense competition in the weight-loss market from rival drugmakers like Eli Lilly, who produce the global blockbuster jab, Mounjaro.

The current oral semaglutide available in the UK is set to receive a new brand specifically for weight loss

Eli Lilly are expected to pursue the FDA for approval of their own tablet version of Mounjaro, but when this may happen is currently unknown.

We will keep you updated as and when we learn of new information.

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