The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk announced. This marks the first time the regulator has cleared an oral form of the medication, opening a new chapter in weight-loss treatments.
The once-daily pill provides the same weight-loss effects as the existing injectable version of Wegovy, offering patients a more convenient alternative. Wegovy was originally approved by the FDA for weight loss, while similar drugs like Ozempic, which also support weight reduction, were primarily authorized for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The BBC has reached out to the FDA for comment.
In clinical trials conducted by Novo Nordisk, participants taking the pill achieved an average weight loss of 16.6%. About one-third of the roughly 1,300 participants experienced weight loss of 20% or more. The company said the results indicate that the oral form can deliver outcomes comparable to the injection.
The pill is expected to become available in the US in early January 2026. “Patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection,” said Mike Doustdar, Novo Nordisk’s chief executive.
Novo Nordisk said the pill could help boost sales after a challenging year. The company had seen its shares slide as it warned of lower-than-expected profits, facing strong competition in the growing weight-loss market from rivals such as Eli Lilly.
The announcement of FDA approval had an immediate effect on the company’s stock. Novo Nordisk shares rose nearly 10% in after-hours trading in New York following the news. Analysts said the oral formulation could make the drug accessible to a wider population and reduce barriers for patients who were hesitant about injections.
Industry experts noted that the approval underscores the increasing focus on obesity and weight management as a major public health priority in the United States. Obesity affects millions of Americans and has been linked to a range of chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
The Wegovy pill may also intensify competition in the weight-loss drug sector. Eli Lilly and other pharmaceutical companies have introduced similar treatments, and the market has seen rapid growth due to rising demand and patient interest in non-surgical options for weight reduction.
With its FDA clearance, the Wegovy pill could represent a significant shift in how weight-loss therapies are administered and prescribed, combining clinical effectiveness with the convenience of a daily oral dose.
