Novo Nordisk Launches First Oral Wegovy Pill at $149/Month in U.S., Eyes UK Approval
Novo Nordisk’s FDA-approved Wegovy oral GLP-1 weight-loss pill launched broadly in the U.S. starting Jan. 5 at $149 per month for self-pay patients, marking the first oral obesity therapy in its class. Britain’s MHRA is reviewing the company’s 25 mg Wegovy application with a decision expected before year-end.
1. U.S. Public Affairs Head Departure
Novo Nordisk’s head of public affairs in the United States, who managed government relations and external communications during a challenging period for the company’s obesity and diabetes franchises, has left the organization, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters. The executive, who had overseen advocacy efforts in Washington and state capitals since 2021, stepped down as the company seeks to rebuild momentum for its flagship weight-management and diabetes products following increased competition and pricing pressures in its largest market.
2. Launch of Wegovy Oral Pill and Self-Pay Pricing
On January 5, 2026, Novo Nordisk commercially introduced the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 therapy for chronic weight management, branded as Wegovy™ pill. The company has positioned the product to broaden patient access and adherence, offering two dosage strengths (1.5 mg and 4 mg) to self-pay patients at a monthly list price of $149. Two weeks post-approval, Wegovy pill became broadly available through retail pharmacies and specialty distributors, complementing the existing once-weekly injectable formulation and targeting patients preferring daily oral regimens.
3. Regulatory Milestones in the U.K.
Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is reviewing Novo Nordisk’s application for a 25 mg oral version of its weight-loss therapy, with a decision expected by year-end. Approval in the U.K. would mark the first oral GLP-1 weight-management option in that market and could pave the way for expanded access across Europe, where obesity treatment uptake has lagged behind that of injectable therapies.
4. 2026 Growth Drivers and Pipeline Catalysts
Looking ahead to 2026, Novo Nordisk is banking on new label expansions and late-stage pipeline candidates to revive growth. The company secured FDA approval for Wegovy’s use in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in late 2025, entering a segment where the sole competitor generated $287.3 million in third-quarter revenue last year. Additionally, phase III data on amycretin, a dual GLP-1/amylin agonist, and interim readouts for a next-generation triple-agonist candidate are expected next year. Management projects that these initiatives, together with the oral GLP-1 launch, could drive mid-single-digit percentage sales growth in 2026 after flat performance in 2025.