The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of Wegovy, a popular anti-obesity drug made by Novo Nordisk. Unlike the original version, which is injected weekly, this new pill is taken once a day. Both forms contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide.
Martin Holst Lange, chief scientific officer at Novo Nordisk, said, “This gives patients a choice between a weekly injection or a daily tablet.” With the rise in popularity of injectable weight-loss drugs, the pharmaceutical industry is now racing to create pill options for patients who might prefer them.
Recent studies, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlight the effectiveness of the pill. Participants who took it lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight within 64 weeks. About 30% lost 20% or more of their weight, and there were notable improvements in cardiovascular health and physical activity, similar to those seen with the injectable version.
However, one challenge with pills is adherence; patients may forget to take them daily. In optimal conditions, where pills are taken as prescribed, researchers estimate that weight loss could reach 16.6%, comparable to the injectable Wegovy results.
Novo Nordisk previously introduced an oral semaglutide, known as Rybelsus, in 2019 for type 2 diabetes. This drug isn’t approved for weight loss and isn’t as effective as newer GLP-1 medications. The Wegovy pill is essentially a higher-dose version. Lange explains, “The effectiveness of the obesity pill is driven by dose. Higher doses are essential for maximizing weight loss.”
The Wegovy pill has a starting dose of 1.5 milligrams, while Rybelsus is 14 milligrams. Common side effects for both versions include nausea and vomiting.
The Wegovy pill will be available starting in January for $149 a month, with savings options for patients. Production is ramping up, and Novo Nordisk is prepared to meet the demand in the US.
In light of the current obesity epidemic affecting millions, the introduction of oral weight-loss medications signifies a critical advancement. According to the CDC, obesity rates have steadily increased over the past decades, affecting approximately 42% of adults in the US. Innovations like Wegovy can play a vital role in addressing this public health challenge.
As more people turn to social media for support, discussions around weight loss and medication are trending. Many users share their experiences and insights, creating a community that fosters both motivation and understanding.
The Wegovy pill is a significant step forward in weight management, giving patients more options in their journey toward better health.
Source link
science,health,weight loss,glp-1
