US Approves Novo Nordisk Weight Loss Pill

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk announced Monday that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved its popular GLP-1 anti-obesity drug Wegovy for administration as a pill for weight loss.

“With today’s approval of the Wegovy pill, patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection,” Mike Doustdar, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk, said in a statement.

The FDA had already approved a pill for treating diabetes, but the new development now allows doctors to prescribe it for weight loss. The latest generation of appetite-suppressing drugs, including GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, has exploded in popularity in recent years due to their ability to help people lose weight.

US President Donald Trump last month announced deals with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to lower the prices of some of their weight-loss drugs in exchange for certainty on tariffs.

The drugs, which can cost more than $1,000 a month for US residents, could offer starting oral doses for as little as $150 under the deal, though the price for injectables would be higher.

Author

Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.