Novo Nordisk Launches Oral Wegovy in US

Novo Nordisk launched the first oral version of its popular weight-loss drug Wegovy in the United States this week, offering adults a daily pill alternative to the weekly injection for managing obesity and related health conditions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the semaglutide-based pill on December 22, 2025, for adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related health issue, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Pharmacies nationwide, including chains like CVS and Costco, began stocking the medication starting January 5, 2026, with initial doses available immediately and higher strengths rolling out in the following days. The pill, which mimics the body's glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone to reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness, must be taken once daily on an empty stomach with no more than four ounces of water, followed by a 30-minute wait before eating or drinking anything else. This timing ensures proper absorption through the stomach, a requirement not needed for the injectable form.

Clinical trials funded by Novo Nordisk demonstrated that the pill produces weight loss comparable to the injection. In a 64-week study...