This week, Novo Nordisk launched the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication for weight management in the U.S., giving patients a new daily pill option alongside traditional injectable therapies.
The tablet, branded as Wegovy, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2025. It is now available by prescription at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide and through telehealth partners.
ABOUT THE PILL
The once-daily pill uses semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the company’s injectable GLP-1 drugs, and is indicated to help adults with obesity lose weight when used with diet and exercise. It also carries an indication to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in certain patients.
Novo Nordisk has priced the starter 1.5-milligram dose at about $149 per month for patients paying cash, with higher doses available at increased prices. With some insurance plans and savings programs, out-of-pocket costs could be significantly lower.
Clinical trial results show that people taking the oral Wegovy pill alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity can achieve weight loss, similar to outcomes seen with injectable versions of the medication in long-term studies.
The new pill adds a needle-free option to the growing class of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and could appeal to patients who have hesitated to try injectable therapies.
