Novo Nordisk Launches $149 Wegovy Pill, Expanding Access to GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs

Novo Nordisk has launched its oral Wegovy pill in the U.S. at $149 per month for self-pay patients. The pill, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is the first and only GLP-1-based weight-loss treatment available in pill form. It offers an alternative to the injectable version of Wegovy, which has dominated the market.

The launch follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of the pill version in late 2025. This marks a key milestone for the company, as the drug now becomes available in a more convenient, needle-free format. The approval is seen as a major competitive advantage in the weight-loss drug sector.

The pricing strategy is designed to expand access to the drug beyond insurance coverage. Patients who pay directly for the drug can now get the 1.5 mg and 4 mg doses for $149 per month, with higher doses costing $299. Novo Nordisk hopes this strategy will drive adoption among a broader patient population and reduce barriers to treatment.

Why Did This Happen?

Weight-loss medications have faced inconsistent insurance coverage in the U.S. Many patients face high out-of-pocket costs or lack access to treatment altogether. By introducing a fixed self-pay price, Novo Nordisk bypasses insurance-related hurdles such as prior authorizations and reimbursement delays.

The pill format also offers convenience compared to weekly injections. The company states that both the pill and injectable versions contain the same active ingredient, but the pill must be taken on an empty stomach and followed by a 30-minute waiting period before eating or drinking.

How Did Markets React?

The stock price of Novo Nordisk rose by about 2.6% in premarket trading on the day of the launch. Investors are watching how this move impacts the company's revenue and market share. The stock had declined by 44% over the past year due to competition from Eli Lilly and other firms according to market analysis.

Eli Lilly is also working on an oral alternative to its injectable Zepbound drug. Orforglipron, its oral GLP-1 drug, is still under FDA review and expected to launch in the second quarter of 2026. Analysts believe the competition between the two firms will intensify as more oral alternatives enter the market according to industry reports.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely tracking how Novo's pricing strategy affects the broader market. The $149 price point for the pill is lower than the injectable version for self-pay patients, which has previously ranged from $199 to $349 per month. If the strategy proves successful, it may influence how other obesity drugs are priced and sold according to financial analysts.

Another key factor is Novo's ability to maintain supply and scale production. The company has faced inventory and capacity issues in the past, which affected sales of its injectable drugs. Investors are looking for signs that the company can manage demand effectively for the new pill version according to market experts.

The next major update will come in February, when Novo Nordisk releases its full-year 2025 financial results. This will provide more insight into how the Wegovy pill is performing and whether the company is meeting its growth targets according to company filings.

In the meantime, the broader GLP-1 market is expected to grow significantly. The global obesity drug market is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, according to several industry analysts. Novo's expansion into the pill market could position it for long-term gains, provided it maintains its competitive edge.