US Approves Weight-Loss Pill

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk’s popular anti-obesity drug Wegovy in pill form, expanding weight-loss treatment options beyond injections.

Novo Nordisk announced that the once-daily Wegovy pill can help patients achieve weight loss comparable to the injectable version.

The approval allows doctors to prescribe the oral medication to adults with obesity or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition, such as heart disease.

Previously, pill-based GLP-1 treatments were approved only for diabetes. The new approval marks a major step in making weight-loss therapy more accessible, particularly for patients reluctant to use injections.

The US Obesity Care Advocacy Network welcomed the decision, calling it an important alternative that could improve access and potentially reduce costs for people living with obesity.

Nearly 40 percent of US adults are affected by obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

GLP-1 appetite-suppressing drugs, including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, have surged in popularity due to their effectiveness in promoting weight loss.

Novo Nordisk said the Wegovy pill is expected to launch in the US market in January, though pricing details have not yet been disclosed.

The approval comes amid renewed pressure from the US government to lower drug prices, with President Donald Trump recently highlighting agreements aimed at reducing the cost of weight-loss medications.