In a significant move for the global weight-loss industry, Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has officially launched a pill version of its popular drug, Wegovy, in the United States. The oral medication, which offers an alternative to injectable treatments, hit the market on Monday, marking a new chapter in the competitive battle for obesity care.
A Strategic Launch to Regain Market Edge
The launch comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for the Wegovy pill in December 2025. This development is a strategic boost for Novo Nordisk as it strives to reclaim market share lost to its primary competitor, Eli Lilly. Eli Lilly, the producer of the rival drug Mounjaro, has indicated that its own weight-loss pill is anticipated to receive regulatory approval around March 2026, giving Novo Nordisk a critical head start of several months.
The company's shares reacted positively to the news. Its Denmark-listed stock closed 5% higher on Monday, while its US-listed shares saw a considerable jump of 4.6%. In contrast, shares of rival Eli Lilly declined by 3.5% during afternoon trading, highlighting the market's view of this competitive development.
Pricing, Dosage, and Availability Details
According to the drugmaker's website, the Wegovy pill will be available in multiple doses. The company will sell a 9 mg dose and a higher long-term dose of 25 mg. Both these higher doses will be priced at $299 for a month's supply. Meanwhile, the price for the 4 mg dose is set to increase to $199 starting April 15.
The treatment is initiated with a low 1.5 mg starter dose. The active ingredient in the pill is semaglutide, the same compound used in Novo Nordisk's blockbuster injectable treatments for weight loss (Wegovy) and diabetes (Ozempic). The company also offers a 1.5 mg dose of oral semaglutide for type 2 diabetes under the brand name Rybelsus. Novo Nordisk has stated that the remaining doses of the Wegovy pill will be available for patients by the end of this week.
The pill will be accessible through major US pharmacies like Costco and CVS, as well as via telehealth providers including Ro, LifeMD, WeightWatchers, GoodRx, and Novo's own NovoCare Pharmacy.
Targeting Cash-Paying Consumers and Global Expansion
Analysts suggest that the success of this new oral formulation hinges on Novo Nordisk's ability to attract cash-paying consumers who do not rely on health insurance coverage. This represents a potential shift from the traditional pharmaceutical business model, where drug prices are typically managed through insurance plans. The pill's convenience and needle-free administration are expected to appeal to a new segment of users who previously avoided injectable medications, potentially reviving the company's fortunes after last year's profit warnings and sliding share prices.
The launch is not confined to the United States. Regulators in other countries are also reviewing the once-daily Wegovy pill. As per a Reuters report, approval in the United Kingdom is expected around the end of 2026, indicating a planned global rollout for the oral treatment.
This launch intensifies the already fierce competition in the GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) drug market, which includes treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy that have revolutionized weight management. By offering a pill, Novo Nordisk is betting on greater patient flexibility and convenience to solidify and expand its position in this high-growth sector.
