The availability of pills for combating obesity could significantly expand the market for therapies, making treatment more accessible and less costly, experts claim, according to a report by Euronews.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the oral version of Wegovy, a drug that has become the first tablet-based weight loss medication, now giving Novo Nordisk a competitive edge over Eli Lilly, which is still awaiting approval for its drug orforglipron. Both drugs belong to the GLP-1 class and work on a similar principle as the injectable medications, mimicking the natural hormone responsible for appetite and feelings of fullness. In recent years, the injectable forms of Wegovy and Lilly's Zepbound have significantly changed the approach to treating obesity both in the U.S. and globally, where this chronic condition affects about 100 million people. Representatives from Novo Nordisk stated that Wegovy tablets will be available for sale in the coming weeks. Experts believe that the new oral options could drive growth in the obesity treatment market, improving accessibility and reducing financial burdens for patients. According to KFF, about 12.5% of Americans have used GLP-1 injectable medications, but many face challenges due to the high cost of injections. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity expert from Massachusetts General Hospital, noted, "There are groups of people who could benefit from the introduction of pills. It's not just about who gets the product to market first, but also about having various treatment options available to patients." The Wegovy tablet contains 25 milligrams of semaglutide, which is also present in injectable medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, as well as in Rybelsus, a lower-dose drug approved for diabetes treatment in 2019. Studies have shown that participants taking oral Wegovy lost an average of 13.6% of their total body weight over 15 months, while the placebo group showed only a 2.2% loss. These results are comparable to injectable Wegovy, which demonstrates an average weight loss of about 15%. Chris Mertens, a 35-year-old pediatric pulmonologist from Menomonee Falls, took Wegovy tablets during a clinical trial in 2022 and lost 40 pounds. He noted that taking the medication daily helped reduce his appetite and obsessive thoughts about food. "I sometimes skipped meals and hardly noticed it," Mertens shared. However, those taking the maximum dose of Lilly's orforglipron lost an average of 11.2% of their body weight over 17 months, while the placebo group showed a 2.1% loss.
Compared to Lilly's Zepbound, which works on two gut hormones GLP-1 and GIP and provides an average weight loss of 21%, both new tablets showed lower effectiveness. All GLP-1 medications, both oral and injectable, have similar side effects, including nausea and diarrhea. The Wegovy tablet, like other medications, promises convenience, but it must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, with water, and avoiding food and drinks for 30 minutes. This is due to the need to protect the active ingredient from degradation in the stomach. Unlike Wegovy, Lilly's orforglipron does not impose such strict requirements on the dosing regimen. This drug is part of a new FDA program to expedite drug approvals, with a decision on its launch expected by spring. Producing tablets is generally cheaper than injections, which could lead to lower prices for the new oral medications. The Trump administration previously reported working with pharmaceutical companies to lower prices for GLP-1 drugs, which can cost over $1000 (about €848) per month. The initial cost of the new tablet will be $149 (about €126) per month from some suppliers, with more detailed pricing information expected in January. It remains unclear what patients will prefer: daily tablets or weekly injections. According to specialists, some patients dislike injections, while others are fine with them. Mertens, for example, switched to the injectable Zepbound when he started regaining weight after completing the Wegovy tablet clinical trial. He appreciated the structure that daily tablet intake provided. "It became a conscious routine for me and a reminder that I am taking medication, which influences my decisions throughout the day," he noted. Angela Fitch, a physician and obesity expert, emphasized that ultimately it is important to make weight loss medications more accessible and affordable, regardless of their format. "Price is crucial," she stated. "Just give me a medication for $100 (about €84) a month that is reasonably effective."
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