FDA Approves First Oral Wegovy Pill for Weight Loss, Launching Soon

• US FDA approved Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill, the first oral GLP-1 drug for weight loss, set to launch in early January.
• The daily pill contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as injectable Wegovy and Ozempic, known for appetite suppression.
• Clinical trials showed an average 16.6% weight loss over 64 weeks, similar to the injectable version's efficacy.
• Offers a needle-free alternative for patients, potentially with better cost and insurance coverage, despite possible intense GI side effects.
• Eli Lilly is also developing an oral GLP-1 drug, orforglipron, with a more convenient dosing, expected for regulatory approval by 2025.

Why It Matters: The FDA's approval of the Wegovy pill marks a significant step in obesity treatment, offering a convenient oral option.