Novo Nordisk Takes Wegovy Pill Weight-Loss Drug Off the Shots and onto the Tablets
The Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has made a significant breakthrough in the weight-loss medication market by launching the pill version of its popular drug, Wegovy. This move marks the first time a GLP-1 weight-loss medication has been approved in pill form, paving the way for other drugs to follow suit.
As of now, starter doses of Wegovy are available at pharmacies with a prescription, and stronger doses are expected to hit the market by the end of the week. The FDA-approved pill, containing semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic, has been shown to promote weight loss and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults who are overweight or obese.
Patients will need to take the pill daily on an empty stomach with a small amount of water and avoid eating, drinking, or taking other medications for 30 minutes afterward. The starter dose is 1.5mg, but the pill will also be available in doses of 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg.
Healthcare professionals typically increase patients' dosages every 30 days until the maximum is reached. Novo Nordisk's senior vice president for marketing and patient solutions, Ed Cinca, believes that this pill form will make it possible for more people to achieve their weight-loss goals and lower the risks of cardiovascular disease.
The commercial cost of Wegovy pills is significantly lower than the standard injection, with commercially-insured people paying as little as $25 per month. For those paying out-of-pocket, the monthly cost ranges from $149 to $299. This move aims to make the medication more accessible to those who need it.
Wegovy's pill version has shown promising results in clinical trials, including an average weight loss of 17% over 64 weeks and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Eli Lilly is also working on its own GLP-1 drug, forglipron, which is expected to be approved by this summer. However, preliminary results from the company's trial have shown that the pill may not have the same restrictions as Wegovy's pill.
As the weight-loss medication market continues to evolve, the introduction of Wegovy pills marks a significant development in addressing obesity and related health issues. With its affordability and accessibility, Novo Nordisk's pill version is poised to become a game-changer for those seeking to lose weight and improve their overall health.
The Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has made a significant breakthrough in the weight-loss medication market by launching the pill version of its popular drug, Wegovy. This move marks the first time a GLP-1 weight-loss medication has been approved in pill form, paving the way for other drugs to follow suit.
As of now, starter doses of Wegovy are available at pharmacies with a prescription, and stronger doses are expected to hit the market by the end of the week. The FDA-approved pill, containing semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic, has been shown to promote weight loss and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults who are overweight or obese.
Patients will need to take the pill daily on an empty stomach with a small amount of water and avoid eating, drinking, or taking other medications for 30 minutes afterward. The starter dose is 1.5mg, but the pill will also be available in doses of 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg.
Healthcare professionals typically increase patients' dosages every 30 days until the maximum is reached. Novo Nordisk's senior vice president for marketing and patient solutions, Ed Cinca, believes that this pill form will make it possible for more people to achieve their weight-loss goals and lower the risks of cardiovascular disease.
The commercial cost of Wegovy pills is significantly lower than the standard injection, with commercially-insured people paying as little as $25 per month. For those paying out-of-pocket, the monthly cost ranges from $149 to $299. This move aims to make the medication more accessible to those who need it.
Wegovy's pill version has shown promising results in clinical trials, including an average weight loss of 17% over 64 weeks and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Eli Lilly is also working on its own GLP-1 drug, forglipron, which is expected to be approved by this summer. However, preliminary results from the company's trial have shown that the pill may not have the same restrictions as Wegovy's pill.
As the weight-loss medication market continues to evolve, the introduction of Wegovy pills marks a significant development in addressing obesity and related health issues. With its affordability and accessibility, Novo Nordisk's pill version is poised to become a game-changer for those seeking to lose weight and improve their overall health.