FDA Approves First-Ever Pill Version of Blockbuster Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially approved a pill version of the wildly popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, according to its Danish maker, Novo Nordisk. It's the first pill of its kind to get the green light, marking what many see as a new era for obesity treatment.

A New Era of Convenience

The pharmaceutical giant described the once-daily pill as a "convenient option" that provides the same weight loss as the original injection. The pill is expected to launch in the U.S. in early January 2026, just weeks from now.

"Patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection," said Mike Doustdar, the firm's chief executive. This move directly addresses one of the biggest hurdles for many potential users: the need for self-injection.

The Clinical Evidence Shows Strong Results

According to Novo Nordisk's announcement, the clinical trials back up their claims. The Wegovy pill showed an average weight loss of 16.6% during its trials. Furthermore, the company stated that a third of the roughly 1,300 participants experienced 20% or greater weight loss.

Shaking Up a Competitive Market

This approval could provide a major boost to Novo Nordisk, which has faced intense competition in the lucrative weight-loss market from rivals like Eli Lilly. Investors reacted positively to the news, with Novo Nordisk's shares rising by almost 10% in after-hours trading in New York following the announcement.