Novo Nordisk has launched the first oral version of its GLP-1 weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in the U.S., a significant development that is expected to reshape obesity care globally and ignite a competitive price war. Approved by the FDA in December 2025, this once-daily pill broadens access to GLP-1 therapy beyond existing injectable options.
The Wegovy pill utilises the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as the injectable form. It is the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist specifically approved for weight management. Clinical trials, such as the phase 3 OASIS 4, demonstrated an average weight loss of 16–17% when combined with diet and exercise, results comparable to the injectable formulations.
Novo Nordisk's pricing is a major strategic move, positioning the drug far below the typical cost of injectable GLP-1s. The starter dose costs around $149 per month for self-pay patients, with higher strengths reaching up to $299 per month. This is substantially lower than the typical U.S. out-of-pocket cost of over $1,000 per month for many injectables, with insurance reducing the cost further for some patients to as little as $25 monthly.
This aggressive pricing is intended to defend market share against rivals, including Eli Lilly’s injectable Zepbound and Mounjaro, and its anticipated oral competitor, orforglipron, expected later in 2026. Industry analysts view the pill's lower price and the convenience of a daily tablet (over a weekly injection) as a game-changer that could attract patients hesitant about injectable therapy. Furthermore, accessibility is boosted by a broad rollout across 70,000+ U.S. pharmacies and telehealth platforms.
For patients and clinicians, the oral treatment is crucial, as it may improve treatment uptake and adherence and expand the pool of people willing to start therapy for obesity and related comorbidities. The pill also has an indication for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with obesity and established heart disease.
Regulators in other regions, including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UK's MHRA, are reviewing applications for the oral Wegovy, with decisions anticipated later in 2026. An international rollout would likely trigger similar market shifts, placing new pressures on national health systems regarding access and cost-effectiveness.
The launch marks a new chapter in weight-loss therapeutics amid the global epidemic of obesity. While GLP-1 therapies are a major pharmacological advance, questions remain regarding long-term safety, cost, equity of access, and how these drugs fit into comprehensive obesity strategies beyond medication alone. The competitive landscape is intensifying, influenced by both market forces and government deals aimed at lowering GLP-1 prices, especially for programmes like Medicare.
