In a groundbreaking development for weight-loss treatments, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill form of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. This marks the first time the FDA has approved a pill specifically for weight management, opening a new chapter in obesity treatment.

Wegovy Pill: A Convenient Alternative to Injections

Previously, Wegovy was available only as a weekly injectable, which many patients found inconvenient. The new once-daily pill offers the same weight-loss benefits as the injection, providing patients with a simpler and more accessible option.

Mike Doustdar, CEO of Novo Nordisk, emphasized the convenience of the new form, saying, “Patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection.”

Clinical Trial Results

Novo Nordisk’s clinical trials included approximately 1,300 participants and demonstrated impressive results:

• Average weight loss among participants was 16.6%.
• About one-third of participants achieved 20% or greater weight loss.

These findings indicate that the pill version of Wegovy could be as effective as the injection for patients seeking significant and sustained weight loss.

Market Implications and Competition

The FDA approval is expected to boost Novo Nordisk’s market position, especially after a challenging year in which the company warned of lower profits and faced a decline in stock value. After the announcement, Novo Nordisk shares rose nearly 10% in after-hours trading in New York.

The weight-loss market has become increasingly competitive, with companies like Eli Lilly gaining traction through drugs such as Mounjaro and Ozempic, which are primarily approved for Type 2 diabetes but also promote weight loss. The approval of a pill specifically for weight management could help Novo Nordisk capture a larger share of this growing market.

Availability and Launch

Novo Nordisk has announced that the Wegovy pill is expected to launch in the U.S. in early January 2026. Patients and healthcare providers are eagerly awaiting the new option, which could make long-term weight management more accessible for millions struggling with obesity.

With obesity rates rising globally, the approval of a convenient, effective, and non-injectable medication represents a significant milestone in the fight against weight-related health issues.