The FDA has approved a pill version of the weight‑loss drug Wegovy, offering a simpler alternative to injections and sending shares of Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk higher. The approval was announced on December 23, 2025.
Novo Nordisk’s stock rose sharply, gaining nearly 10% in Frankfurt trading as investors welcomed the new treatment. US-listed shares also jumped in early trading.
The oral Wegovy contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as the injectable version. Taken once daily, it provides a convenient option for patients who prefer pills over weekly injections. This makes it the first FDA-approved GLP-1 weight-loss pill.
The company plans to launch the pill in the US early January 2026 at around $149 per month for the starting dose and is pursuing approvals in Europe and other markets. Novo Nordisk says it is well-prepared for supply, avoiding shortages that affected the injectable version’s launch.
Analysts believe the pill could expand access to obesity treatment, especially among adults hesitant about injections. However, competitors like Eli Lilly’s oral drug orforglipron, expected to launch in 2026, could narrow Novo Nordisk’s advantage.
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