US regulator approves pill form of Wegovy weight-loss drug

December 23, 2025

The FDA has approved a pill form of Wegovy, making it the first oral weight-loss medication of its type to receive regulatory clearance in the United States. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk reports that clinical trials demonstrated an average weight reduction of 16. 6% among participants, with one-third achieving losses of 20% or more.

Who is affected

Patients seeking weight-loss treatment who prefer oral medication over injections
Novo Nordisk (Danish pharmaceutical company and Wegovy manufacturer)
Approximately 1,300 trial participants who tested the pill
Competitor pharmaceutical companies, particularly Eli Lilly
Novo Nordisk shareholders and investors

What action is being taken

The FDA has approved the pill version of Wegovy
Novo Nordisk's shares are rising by almost 10% in after-hours trading following the announcement

Why it matters

This approval represents a significant advancement in weight-loss treatment options, providing patients with a more convenient daily pill alternative to injections while maintaining similar efficacy. The development is particularly important for Novo Nordisk as it faces intense competition in the weight-loss drug market and has experienced a challenging financial year with declining profits and share prices. As the first oral weight-loss medication of its kind to receive FDA approval, it potentially expands access to treatment for patients who may be hesitant about injectable medications.

What's next

The pill is expected to be launched in the US in early January 2026.

Read full article from source: BBC