Novo Nordisk has introduced the starter dose of its weight-loss medication, Wegovy, as a daily pill, expanding accessibility for patients seeking effective obesity treatment. This new option, which requires a prescription, is available in the United States as of March 15, 2024, and will be offered at a lower cost compared to its injectable counterpart.
The oral formulation of Wegovy delivers a 1.5 mg starting dose at approximately $149 per month for patients paying out of pocket. This price is part of an agreement with the Trump administration aimed at making treatments more affordable. Other doses of the pill will be available later in the week, with the 4 mg version costing the same until April 15, when the price will increase to $199. The higher doses, 9 mg and 25 mg, are priced at $299 monthly. In contrast, the injectable Wegovy is priced at $349 per month for self-paying consumers.
Insurance coverage for Wegovy remains limited. Patients whose plans include obesity treatment may pay as little as $25 per month under a savings initiative offered by Novo Nordisk. The new pill is accessible through various pharmacies, selected telehealth providers, and NovoCare Pharmacy.
Clinical Insights and Comparisons
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the daily pill version of Wegovy in late December, following promising results from clinical trials. These trials indicated that the oral medication produced similar weight loss outcomes and side effects to the injectable version. Participants in the Wegovy pill trial experienced an average weight loss of 14% over 64 weeks, compared to 2% for the placebo group.
Both formulations contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, which is also the key component in Ozempic, a diabetes medication. Eli Lilly, a competitor, is developing its own oral GLP-1 medication named orforglipron, expected to receive FDA approval by summer 2024. This medication will also start at $149 under the same agreement, but subsequent doses may reach up to $399 for cash-paying patients.
Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that approximately 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. are currently using GLP-1 medications, reflecting the growing demand for effective obesity treatments. While head-to-head comparisons between Wegovy and orforglipron have not yet occurred, studies suggest that both drugs offer significant weight loss benefits.
Side Effects and Usage Guidelines
Common side effects associated with GLP-1 medications include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting. In the Wegovy pill trial, approximately 7% of participants discontinued treatment due to side effects, while the placebo group saw a 6% discontinuation rate. In the orforglipron study, up to 10% of patients stopped their treatment, compared to 3% in the placebo group.
One notable distinction between Wegovy and orforglipron is in their administration. The Wegovy pill must be consumed on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, and patients are advised not to eat, drink, or take other medications for 30 minutes afterward. In contrast, orforglipron allows for more flexible dosing, as it can be taken at any time without dietary restrictions.
As the demand for weight-loss medications continues to rise, the arrival of Wegovy in pill form signifies a significant shift in treatment options. The combination of affordability, accessibility, and clinical effectiveness positions Wegovy to play a crucial role in addressing obesity and related health risks in the United States.
