Novo Nordisk has officially launched the first oral version of its blockbuster weight‑loss drug Wegovy in the United States, marking a major shift in the fast‑growing obesity‑treatment market. The once‑daily pill, approved by the FDA in late December 2025, offers the same GLP‑1–based mechanism as the injectable Wegovy but in a more convenient oral form — a move expected to broaden access and intensify competition across the sector.

The company describes the launch as a milestone for the more than 100 million Americans living with obesity, many of whom have been waiting for a non‑injectable option. Early investor reaction was strong, with Novo Nordisk’s shares rising between 4% and 10% following the announcement.

A First‑of‑Its‑Kind Oral GLP‑1 for Weight Loss
The Wegovy pill is the first and only FDA‑approved oral GLP‑1 medication for chronic weight management. It uses semaglutide — the same active ingredient found in injectable Wegovy, Ozempic, and the diabetes pill Rybelsus — but formulated for daily oral dosing.

In clinical trials, the pill demonstrated around 17% average weight loss when patients remained on treatment, closely matching the efficacy of the injectable version and outperforming all other oral GLP‑1 candidates tested to date.

The drug is approved for adults with obesity or overweight who also have weight‑related medical conditions, and it must be used alongside reduced‑calorie diets and increased physical activity.

Pricing Strategy: Aggressive and Designed for Scale
Novo Nordisk has priced the pill to appeal especially to self‑paying patients, a group that has struggled with the high cost of injectable GLP‑1 drugs.

Current U.S. Pricing (Self‑Pay)
1.5 mg (starter dose): $149/month
4 mg: $149/month until April 15, 2026, then $199/month
9 mg and 25 mg: $299/month

Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $25/month with savings programs.

The pricing undercuts Eli Lilly’s upcoming oral GLP‑1 drug, orforglipron, which is expected to cost up to $399/month, setting the stage for a direct price war in 2026.

The pill is now available through more than 70,000 U.S. pharmacies, including CVS and Costco, as well as telehealth platforms such as Ro, LifeMD, WeightWatchers, GoodRx, and NovoCare Pharmacy.

Convenience and Accessibility as Competitive Advantages
The oral format is expected to attract patients who are hesitant about injections or who prefer a simpler daily routine. Analysts say this could significantly expand the market, especially among people who avoided GLP‑1 drugs due to needle aversion or supply shortages.

Novo Nordisk has emphasized that it has built sufficient inventory to avoid the shortages that plagued the rollout of injectable Wegovy in previous years.

The company is also integrating the pill into its broader care ecosystem through NovoCare, which connects patients to clinicians specializing in obesity medicine and offers support for coverage, treatment planning, and long‑term management.

A Strategic Move in a Fierce Market
The launch comes at a critical moment for Novo Nordisk. The company has faced:

rising competition from Eli Lilly’s Zepbound injections
pressure from compounding pharmacies
previous supply constraints
share‑price volatility and profit warnings

By being first to market with an oral GLP‑1 for weight loss, Novo Nordisk aims to reclaim momentum and secure leadership in the next phase of obesity‑drug innovation.

The pill also launches under a pricing agreement with the Trump administration, which will make starter doses available at $149/month through Medicare, Medicaid, and the upcoming TrumpRx direct‑to‑consumer platform.

A New Era for Obesity Treatment
The arrival of the Wegovy pill marks a turning point in how obesity may be treated in the U.S. — shifting from injectable‑only therapies to a broader, more accessible set of options.

If adoption matches expectations, the pill could reshape patient behavior, telehealth demand, and competitive dynamics across the pharmaceutical industry.

Novo Nordisk calls the launch “a significant innovation” and “a moment about changing what’s possible in weight management”.