Novo Nordisk has officially launched an oral version of its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy in the United States, marking a major milestone in the fast-growing obesity treatment market. The once-daily pill, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2025, is the first oral GLP-1 medication cleared for weight loss and is already generating strong demand, according to company executives.
Dave Moore, Novo Nordisk’s executive vice president of U.S. operations, said interest in the pill has surged among patients who were previously hesitant to use injectable treatments. Speaking to FOX Business, Moore explained that many people had delayed treatment because they did not feel comfortable with injections. With the oral option now available, he said, the company is seeing “a lot of excitement and a lot of activity” from patients ready to begin therapy.
Clinical trial data show the pill delivers weight-loss results comparable to Wegovy’s injectable form, Moore said, removing the need for patients to trade convenience for effectiveness. “There isn’t that much of a difference,” he noted, adding that the goal was to give patients more flexibility without sacrificing outcomes.
The oral Wegovy pill will be widely accessible, with distribution across approximately 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, including major retailers such as CVS, Costco and GoodRx. Novo Nordisk has also positioned the pill at a more affordable price point for consumers paying out of pocket. Insured patients who qualify will pay about $25 per month, while uninsured customers will pay $149, a significant reduction compared with the injectable version.
Although the pill and the injection cost roughly the same to produce, Moore said Novo Nordisk made affordability a priority in order to expand access. Beyond weight loss, he also highlighted that both forms of Wegovy carry an additional FDA-approved indication to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, meaning the drug is also classified as a preventive heart-disease treatment.
Wegovy’s pill currently stands as the only FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medication for weight management, but competition is expected to intensify. Rival drugmaker Eli Lilly is reportedly close to receiving regulatory approval for its own oral version, which could further reshape the market.
Moore also addressed concerns about what happens when patients stop taking GLP-1 drugs, noting that weight regain is common without continued therapy. He compared obesity treatment to managing chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, where long-term medication is often required. At the same time, he said Novo Nordisk is heavily investing in research and development to explore future options that may reduce the need for lifelong treatment.
