All eyes are on new obesity treatments, and a potential pill from Novo Nordisk could be among the first to reach patients. The Danish pharmaceutical company’s 25-milligram oral version of its obesity drug Wegovy may receive approval by year-end. While awaiting regulatory clearance, Novo Nordisk presented fresh data at the ObesityWeek conference in Atlanta last week, highlighting the pill’s safety and effectiveness.“I believe this adds to the evidence doctors and patients can use to decide what may be most suitable for each individual,” said Dr. Jason Brett, Novo Nordisk’s principal U.S. medical head, discussing the new findings.The pill’s debut is especially significant as Novo Nordisk recently lost a competitive bid with Pfizer over the obesity biotech Metsera. With Eli Lilly gaining more ground in the weight loss medication market, Novo Nordisk is aiming to strengthen its product pipeline.Wegovy Oral Pill Will Have Cardiovascular BenefitsData from the OASIS 4 clinical trial showed that the pill not only improved weight loss but also offered cardiovascular benefits and better blood sugar control, as per NBC News.Among participants with prediabetes, 71.1% who took the pill achieved normal blood glucose after 64 weeks, compared with 33.3% on a placebo. Participants were more likely to lose at least 15% of their body weight, and those who did saw notable improvements in blood pressure, inflammation markers, and triglycerides.Comparable Results to WegovyAn indirect comparison of the OASIS 4 trial with earlier studies of injectable Wegovy found that the oral and injectable versions delivered similar results in weight loss, cardiometabolic improvements, and safety.“That’s not too surprising; semaglutide is semaglutide,” Brett said as per NBC News, referring to the active ingredient in both Wegovy and the diabetes medication Ozempic. “We’re just delivering it differently.”While some patients are fine with a weekly injection, Brett emphasized the importance of having alternative options. “It will expand access and help more patients benefit from weight loss treatment, especially those hesitant about injections,” he added.Weight Loss Across Menopause StagesThe trial also examined weight loss in women at different stages of menopause. Pre-menopausal participants lost an average of 18.2% of their body weight over 64 weeks. Peri- and post-menopausal women lost 15% and 15.7%, respectively.Brett noted that even small differences between groups, the overall weight loss was “robust and significant,” highlighting that menopause-related hormonal changes can make shedding weight more challenging.Improvements in Physical FunctionParticipants who initially reported low physical function showed improvements after taking the pill. The study measured function using the Patient Global Impression of Status questionnaire.A “meaningful change” in physical function occurred in 77.3% of pill users compared to 42.9% of those on placebo.GLP-1 Pricing and AccessibilityDuring a recent visit to Washington, discussions also focused on GLP-1 drug prices, including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly medications. The Trump administration highlighted negotiations that brought Medicare and Medicaid prices in line with those in Europe.However, it’s unclear if these lower prices will extend to commercial and employer plans, leaving many Americans with private insurance still facing high costs. Pharmacy benefit managers may need additional pressure or negotiations to match government pricing for 2026 contracts.“The companies have committed to ensure, at worst, prices are at the most-favored nation level and to continue lowering prices based on volume,” said Chris Klomp, Medicare Director.With the focus on affordable access, major insurers may already be feeling pressure to respond, especially after public scrutiny from former President Trump regarding insurance costs.
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