FDA Approves First-Ever Wegovy Weight-Loss Pill, Ushering in New Era for Obesity Treatment

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill form of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, marking a significant milestone in obesity treatment, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk announced Monday.

The new oral formulation offers the same weight-loss benefits as the previously available injectable version, providing a convenient once-daily option for patients. Wegovy, designed specifically for weight management, differs from similar drugs like Ozempic, which is primarily approved to treat Type 2 diabetes but also promotes weight loss.

Novo Nordisk reported that participants in clinical trials lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight, with about one-third achieving 20% or more. The pill is scheduled for launch in the United States in early January 2026.

“Patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection,” said Mike Doustdar, CEO of Novo Nordisk.

The approval is expected to bolster Novo Nordisk’s position in the competitive weight-loss market, following a challenging year that saw the company’s shares decline amid profit warnings. Rival pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly, have intensified competition in the sector.

Following the announcement, Novo Nordisk shares jumped nearly 10% in after-hours trading in New York, reflecting investor optimism about the new product.