A new pill could reshape obesity care as a weight-loss provider rebounds with a fresh drug partnership
A pill that could reshape the future of obesity treatment is on the horizon, as WeightWatchers plans to offer Novo Nordisk’s much-anticipated oral Wegovy if it gains US approval next year, according to CEO Tara Comonte.
Reuters reported that Comonte said the convenience of a pill could be “huge” for those who want to avoid injections.
Novo Nordisk has submitted its oral version of Wegovy for FDA review and expects a decision in the fourth quarter, as reported by Reuters.
Pills from Novo and rival Eli Lilly are under consideration for a new, expedited US review pathway that could accelerate approval timelines.
If approved, starter doses will be priced at US$149 a month for Medicare, Medicaid, and cash payers through the new TrumpRx site, as per recent White House agreements.
The push for oral GLP-1 therapies comes as the market for branded obesity drugs grows more competitive and price-sensitive.
According to Bloomberg, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound are locked in a race for market share, with Lilly’s injectable recently outpacing Wegovy in prescriptions and projected revenues.
Novo Nordisk has faced pressure from both copycat drugs and regulatory demands to lower prices, prompting legal action and direct-to-patient sales initiatives.
For WeightWatchers, the partnership with Novo Nordisk signals a strategic move to retain members and expand its offerings as it emerges from bankruptcy.
The company is also seeking a stronger foothold in women’s health, including tailored programs that combine GLP-1 medicines and hormone replacement therapy.
