First oral GLP-1 treatment weight loss Approved for use in the United States
Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy tablets have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help people lose excess weight, maintain long-term weight loss, and lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
The approval of the once-daily 25 mg semaglutide tablet was based on the results of two clinical trials: the OASIS trial program and the SELECT trial.
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of wegobee pill The OASIS 4 trial demonstrated an average weight loss of 16.6% in adults who were obese or overweight and had one or more comorbidities (other medical conditions), according to a press release. In the same study, one in three participants experienced a weight loss of 20% or more.
Novo Nordisk reported that the weight loss achieved with the tablet is similar to that of the injectable Wegovy and has a similar safety profile.
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“With today’s approval of Wigovy tablets, patients now have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose just as much weight as the original Wigovy injection,” Mike Doesder, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk, said in a press release.
“As the first oral GLP-1 treatment for people with overweight or obesity, Wegovy tablets provide patients with a new and convenient treatment option to help them begin or continue their weight loss journey.”
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Oral GLP-1 is expected to be available in the United States in early January 2026. Novo Nordisk has also submitted oral semaglutide for obesity to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other regulatory authorities.
Dr. Sue Decotis, a New York City weight loss physician, acknowledged in an interview with Fox News Digital that studies show oral Wegoby is equivalent to weekly injections, minus the needle.
Taking a pill may improve compliance and make it easier to use, but Decotis cautioned that some patients may not be able to absorb the drug. digestive tract Due to the individual idiosyncrasies of the body, the same is true for injectable versions.
“Most of the side effects are gastrointestinal and should be similar to injectables, such as nausea, vomiting and constipation,” she said.
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“In my practice, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) produces more weight loss; fat loss It is about 20% more effective than semaglutide,” the doctor added. “This has been shown in research, and in many cases [with] There are fewer side effects. ”
More oral GLP-1 drugs could emerge in 2026, Decotis says, including Lilly’s application for orforglyprone and a new combination drug from Novo Nordisk awaiting approval late next year.
“There will likely be more new drugs in the future that are more effective for patients who are insulin resistant and have not responded well to semaglutide and/or tirzepatide,” he said. “This is great news because new drugs that affect more receptors mean better long term results There are many more patients. ”
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With these medications becoming cheaper and more available, Decotis emphasized maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate amounts of proper nutrition. protein and dietary fiberas well as increased hydration, are essential to ensure lasting results.
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“Otherwise, patients may gain weight back, lose muscle, and lack body fat,” she says.
Fox News Digital has contacted Novo Nordisk for comment.
