Novo Nordisk launches the first oral GLP-1 in the US with new Wegovy pill

Published: 6-Jan-2026

The new formulation of the obesity drug places Novo a step ahead of its competitor, Eli Lilly, whose rival drug orforglipron is still being assessed by regulators

Novo Nordisk's Wegovy is now available in pill format, providing those seeking help with their weight the revolutionary science of GLP-1 medicine in a pill for the first time.

This advancement opens new possibilities for the more than 100 million Americans living with obesity.

Wegovy pill was approved on December 22, 2025 and is used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for adults with obesity, or with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to help them lose weight and keep it off.

"We know there are people who are interested in addressing their weight but have been waiting on the sidelines for a medicine that was right for them."

"For many of them, that wait is over as we can now offer the powerful efficacy of Wegovy in a once-daily pill that demonstrated about 17% weight loss, if all patients stayed on treatment," said Ed Cinca, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Patient Solutions at Novo Nordisk.

"Wegovy pill is here and it represents a significant innovation as the first and only GLP-1 pill for weight loss."

"This moment is about changing what's possible in weight management and to make that possible, we have worked to ensure the Wegovy pill is affordable and accessible to those who need it, however they choose to receive their care."


Wegovy is backed by proven results, as millions have been prescribed Wegovy (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg for weight management since 2021.

Wegovy pill offers a magnitude of weight loss that no other oral GLP-1 obesity candidate has been able to duplicate in Phase III trials, boasting an average weight loss of about 17%, when used along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise and if all patients stayed on treatment, compared to about three per cent for placebo.

When looking at the efficacy regardless of whether all patients stayed on treatment, an average weight loss of about 14% was achieved by people taking the Wegovy pill compared to about two per cent for the placebo.

With once-daily oral dosing, the Wegovy pill can provide patients with a practical option as part of their daily routine to help people achieve meaningful weight loss.  

In OASIS 4, common adverse reactions were similar to those previously seen in clinical trials with Wegovy (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg, including nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.


Novo Nordisk continues to pursue innovative delivery models and strategic collaborations to meet people where they are, reaching more patients in more ways.

This is designed to help patients obtain authentic, FDA-approved medicines and avoid potentially unsafe, unapproved alternatives.

Wegovy is available through a range of options, including US pharmacies such as CVS and Costco, select telehealth providers including Ro, LifeMD and Weight Watchers, NovoCare Pharmacy, GoodRx and others. 

Wegovy pill is only approved in the US and will be available in 1.5 mg (starter dose), 4 mg, 9 mg and 25 mg.

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