Pharmaceutical Giant Novo Nordisk Brings Weight Loss Pill Wegovy to Market in Daily Form
The US healthcare giant, Novo Nordisk, has officially launched its weight loss medication Wegovy as a daily pill, marking a significant shift from the current weekly injection form. This innovation is set to make it easier for individuals to manage their weight and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In December, the FDA approved the pill version of Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic - semaglutide. The medication works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and slows digestion. To ensure safe use, patients must take the pill daily on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, without eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes after.
The starter dose is 1.5 mg, which can be increased to higher doses every 30 days as needed, up to a maximum dose of 25mg. Health professionals typically monitor patients' progress closely and adjust their dosage accordingly.
Novo Nordisk claims that the pill version will make it more accessible for people who want to achieve weight loss goals but have been waiting for a suitable treatment option. The company has also made efforts to ensure that the pill is affordable, with commercially-insured individuals able to pay as little as $25 per month.
According to a 64-week clinical trial involving 307 adults, Wegovy's pill was found to promote significant weight loss of around 17% and reduce cardiovascular risk. However, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common, and the medication may also increase the risk of thyroid tumors.
Eli Lilly is also developing its own GLP-1 drug in pill form, with preliminary results showing an average weight loss of 11% over 72 weeks on the highest dose. With several pharmaceutical companies working on similar products, it's expected that the market will soon become more saturated with weight loss pills in pill form.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, this latest innovation from Novo Nordisk has brought new hope for individuals seeking effective treatment options for weight management and cardiovascular health.
The US healthcare giant, Novo Nordisk, has officially launched its weight loss medication Wegovy as a daily pill, marking a significant shift from the current weekly injection form. This innovation is set to make it easier for individuals to manage their weight and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In December, the FDA approved the pill version of Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic - semaglutide. The medication works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and slows digestion. To ensure safe use, patients must take the pill daily on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, without eating or drinking anything for 30 minutes after.
The starter dose is 1.5 mg, which can be increased to higher doses every 30 days as needed, up to a maximum dose of 25mg. Health professionals typically monitor patients' progress closely and adjust their dosage accordingly.
Novo Nordisk claims that the pill version will make it more accessible for people who want to achieve weight loss goals but have been waiting for a suitable treatment option. The company has also made efforts to ensure that the pill is affordable, with commercially-insured individuals able to pay as little as $25 per month.
According to a 64-week clinical trial involving 307 adults, Wegovy's pill was found to promote significant weight loss of around 17% and reduce cardiovascular risk. However, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common, and the medication may also increase the risk of thyroid tumors.
Eli Lilly is also developing its own GLP-1 drug in pill form, with preliminary results showing an average weight loss of 11% over 72 weeks on the highest dose. With several pharmaceutical companies working on similar products, it's expected that the market will soon become more saturated with weight loss pills in pill form.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, this latest innovation from Novo Nordisk has brought new hope for individuals seeking effective treatment options for weight management and cardiovascular health.