FDA Approves Pill Form of Weight Loss Injection

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill form of Wegovy, the widely used GLP-1 weight-loss medication, with the once-daily tablet expected to become available early next year, manufacturer Novo Nordisk announced.

Until now, Wegovy has only been offered as a once-weekly injection. The newly approved oral version delivers the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but in a daily pill containing a higher dose to account for reduced absorption through the digestive system. According to Novo Nordisk, patients taking the pill lost an average of 17% of their body weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, comparable to results seen with the injectable version.

The Wegovy pill is approved not only for weight loss and long-term weight maintenance, but also to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with established cardiovascular disease. That broader approval mirrors the injectable version and reflects growing evidence linking GLP-1 medications to improved heart health.

Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which affects appetite regulation in the brain, increasing feelings of fullness and reducing food intake. The drug is also sold under the brand name Ozempic, which is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Novo Nordisk said the lowest dose of the Wegovy pill is expected to cost $149 for the first month. Pricing for higher doses has not yet been announced. By comparison, the injectable version has faced criticism for its high out-of-pocket cost, which has limited access for many patients.

In recent months, the company has moved to address affordability concerns. Novo Nordisk currently offers discounts on injectable semaglutide for patients paying without insurance. Under the program, new patients can obtain their first two months for $199, while existing patients may see monthly costs reduced from $499 to $349. That discount applies to the two lowest doses and is scheduled to expire at the end of March.

Company executives said the pill represents a major step forward in convenience and access. Many patients have expressed hesitation about injections, even once-weekly ones, and the availability of a daily pill could significantly broaden the drug’s appeal.

With demand for GLP-1 medications continuing to surge, the approval of an oral Wegovy option marks a significant shift in how weight-loss treatments may be delivered going forward.