The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new oral version of Wegovy, offering patients a convenient, needle-free option for weight management. The medication, which is expected to be available in early January 2024, will cost $149 per month for a starting dose of 1.5 milligrams, according to its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. This price is significantly lower than the approximately $1,350 monthly cost of the injectable version before insurance or discounts.
This new formulation makes Wegovy the first pill-based GLP-1 drug specifically approved for weight management. It contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as the original injection, providing similar weight loss results. In clinical trials, participants taking the oral medication lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight over about 64 weeks, which is comparable to the results seen with the injectable version.
Details of the Approval and Impact on Patients
With the launch of the Wegovy pill, patients with obesity or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition will have more accessible treatment options. The pill is also designed to help reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in specific populations.
Mike Doustdar, CEO of Novo Nordisk, emphasized the significance of this approval, stating, “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.” This transition to a pill form aims to alleviate some of the challenges associated with the injectable version, which requires weekly administration.
Despite the promising developments, the demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs has surged in recent years, leading to concerns about affordability. A survey conducted by the health policy research group KFF found that about 12% of adult Americans reported using a GLP-1 drug, such as Wegovy or Ozempic, either for weight loss or to manage diabetes. This figure represents an increase of approximately six percentage points compared to 18 months ago.
Affordability and Accessibility Challenges
The survey also highlighted ongoing affordability issues for many users. Approximately half of those taking a GLP-1 drug expressed difficulty in affording the treatment, even with insurance coverage. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the introduction of the oral Wegovy may provide some relief, but the broader financial implications for patients remain a pressing concern.
Novo Nordisk has indicated that further details regarding coverage and savings options for higher doses and eligible patients will be shared closer to the launch date. As the healthcare community prepares for this new offering, it reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accessible and effective weight management solutions in addressing obesity and related health conditions.
