Danish pharmaceutical group Novo Nordisk has launched its once-daily weight-loss pill Wegovy in the United States, marking a new phase in the rapidly expanding obesity treatment market.
The tablet, which went on sale on Monday, is priced at $149 per month for patients paying out of pocket, as competition intensifies among drugmakers offering alternatives to injectable weight-loss therapies.
FDA approval and competitive pressure
The pill received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration last month, giving Novo Nordisk a boost as it seeks to regain momentum against US rival Eli Lilly.
Lilly has said it expects a regulatory decision on its own weight-loss pill in March.
Pricing and dosage options
According to Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy pill will initially be available in a 1.5mg dose, which serves as the starting dose. Additional doses of 9mg and a long-term maintenance dose of 25mg will also be sold.
The two higher doses will be priced at $299 for a monthly supply, while the 4mg dose will increase to $199 from April 15, the company said on its website.
Novo said all remaining doses of the Wegovy pill will be available to patients by the end of the week.
Targeting new consumers
The launch is expected to attract new consumers, particularly those seeking alternatives to injections, as Novo aims to revive profits after a drop in its share price last year.
The daily pill offers greater flexibility and a non-injectable option in a market still dominated by shots.
Wider regulatory review
The oral treatment is also under review by other regulators, with a decision in the United Kingdom expected by the end of the year.
Market reaction
Novo Nordisk shares listed in Denmark closed 5% higher on Monday. Its US-listed shares rose 4.6% in afternoon trading, while Eli Lilly shares fell 3.5%.
Distribution in the US
Novo said the pill will be available through CVS Pharmacy and Costco pharmacies in the US, as well as via telehealth providers including Ro, LifeMD, WeightWatchers and GoodRx. The drug will also be available through Novo’s own NovoCare Pharmacy.
Same active ingredient as Ozempic
The Wegovy pill contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in Novo’s injectable weight-loss and diabetes treatments sold under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic.
Novo already markets an oral semaglutide treatment for type 2 diabetes, sold as Rybelsus, which also includes the 1.5mg dose.
Pricing battle with Lilly
Eli Lilly has said it plans to cap higher doses of its obesity pill, if approved, at $399 per month for repeat cash-paying customers.
By contrast, list prices for injectable weight-loss drugs in the US are around $1,000 per month or more. Both Novo Nordisk and Lilly have reduced prices for customers paying cash rather than using health insurance.
Novo began selling its Wegovy injection at $349 per month for cash-paying customers in November.
Medicare, Medicaid and TrumpRx
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have also reached an agreement with the US government to offer starting doses of their weight-loss pills at $149 per month for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as for cash-paying customers through the new TrumpRx website, which is expected to launch later this month.