FDA Approves Pill Version of Wegovy, a Breakthrough in Obesity Treatment
TL/DR –
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, developed by Novo Nordisk, giving the company an advantage over rival Eli Lilly who’s obesity pill is still under review. Both pills work by mimicking a natural hormone that controls appetite and feelings of fullness. Clinical trials revealed that participants who took Wegovy lost an average of 13.6% of their total body weight over 15 months, nearly the same as the injectable version of the drug.
US FDA Approves Novel Oral Obesity Treatment Pill from Novo Nordisk
US health regulators have approved a daily oral medication, Wegovy, a blockbuster weight-loss drug from Novo Nordisk, marking it as the first pill form of treatment for obesity. This approval gives Novo Nordisk a competitive advantage over Eli Lilly, whose obesity medication, orforglipron, is still under review. Both Wegovy and orforglipron are GLP-1 drugs that control appetite and induce fullness feelings by mimicking a natural hormone.
New Pill Revolutionizes Obesity Treatment Globally
Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound, injectable versions of these treatments, have transformed obesity management, a chronic disease affecting 100 million people in the US. Experts believe that oral pills could revolutionize the obesity treatment market by broadening access and decreasing costs.
More Americans Could Benefit from Wegovy Pills
According to a KFF survey, one in eight Americans have used injectable GLP-1 drugs, though many struggle with the high costs. “There’s an entire demographic that can benefit from the pills,” says Dr Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Wegovy Pill Contains Proven Anti-Obesity Ingredient
The Wegovy pill contains 25mg of semaglutide, the same ingredient found in injectables Wegovy and Ozempic and in diabetes treatment pill Rybelsus. During a clinical trial, oral Wegovy users lost an average of 13.6% of their total body weight over 15 months, almost matching the injectable Wegovy’s 15% average weight loss.
Wegovy Pill Provides Convenient Obesity Treatment
The Wegovy pill, which needs to be taken with water on an empty stomach, was designed by Novo Nordisk to not break down in the stomach before it can be absorbed by the bloodstream. Participants of a clinical trial reported less invasive thoughts of food and decreased appetite.
Comparing Wegovy with Eli Lilly’s Orforglipron
Participants in a clinical trial who took the highest dose of Lilly’s orforglipron lost an average of 11.2% of their total body weight over nearly 17 months, which is less than the loss achieved with Lilly’s Zepbound. Both GLP-1 drugs have similar side effects, including nausea and diarrhea.
Cost and Availability of Wegovy Pills
As pill production is generally cheaper than injectables, the new oral medications could have a lower cost. Initial doses will be available for $149 per month from some providers, with full cost details expected in January. The product is anticipated to be available within weeks, according to company officials.
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