Novo Nordisk’s Oral Wegovy Gains 33% Share, Reaches 159,000 Weekly Scripts
NVO•Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy accounted for 33% of prescriptions in May and reached 159,000 weekly scripts by June 5, with new prescriptions representing 40% of demand. GLP-1 weekly prescriptions grew 33% year-over-year in May, while Cigna will drop coverage of GLP-1 weight-loss treatments from July 1.
1. Oral Wegovy Prescription Uptake
Oral Wegovy captured approximately 33% of total Wegovy prescriptions in May and hit 159,000 weekly scripts for the week ending June 5, with new scripts accounting for 40% of demand. The tablet formulation launched in January and has quickly stabilized at a one-third share of overall prescriptions.
2. GLP-1 Market Growth
The wider GLP-1 segment sustained robust expansion, with weekly prescriptions up 33% year-over-year in May, compared with 32% in April and 31% in March. Monthly GLP-1 sales rose 35% year-over-year in April, following growth of 38% in March and 36% in February.
3. Coverage and Reimbursement Challenges
Cigna will discontinue coverage of GLP-1 weight-loss treatments, including Wegovy and Zepbound, in its employee health plan from July 1, potentially constraining future prescription growth. Employer survey data also highlights a persistent gap between diabetes and obesity treatment coverage, posing risks to market expansion.
