Novo Nordisk oral Wegovy wins FDA approval for weight loss
Updated
Updated · TIME · Apr 30
Novo Nordisk oral Wegovy wins FDA approval for weight loss
16 articles · Updated · TIME · Apr 30
The daily pill becomes the first oral GLP-1 obesity treatment, with an initial monthly price of $149 for Medicare, Medicaid and cash-paying patients under a White House-backed deal.
Novo says the tablet is cheaper to make and distribute than injections, potentially easing access for patients deterred by weekly shots and high costs.
The approval comes as Eli Lilly's rival pill, Foundayo, also won FDA clearance in April, signalling a broader shift toward more standard obesity treatment worldwide.
How will new weight-loss pills reshape America's healthcare system and its multi-billion dollar food industry?
With daily weight-loss pills now available, how will your DNA soon determine which one you should take?
FDA Approval of Oral Semaglutide (Wegovy) Drives 13.6% Average Weight Loss in OASIS 4 Trial and Sparks Rapid Market Adoption
Overview
In December 2025, the FDA approved the 25 mg Wegovy pill for chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction, based on strong results from the OASIS 4 trial showing significant weight loss. Novo Nordisk launched the oral semaglutide in the U.S. by January 2026, quickly reaching 170,000 prescriptions in three weeks, driven by its convenience of no injections or refrigeration. However, the strict daily dosing requirements challenge long-term adherence, while high costs and inconsistent insurance coverage limit access for many patients. Competition is rising with Eli Lilly’s more flexible Foundayo, and Novo Nordisk’s partnership with Hims & Hers aims to improve distribution. Future weekly oral GLP-1s may further transform the market.