The once-daily Wegovy tablet (semaglutide) was permitted for weight reduction and weight upkeep in adults who’re chubby or have weight problems and not less than one associated well being downside, drugmaker Novo Nordisk mentioned in an announcement.
It was additionally permitted to cut back the danger of coronary heart assault, stroke, and loss of life in individuals who have coronary heart illness and are chubby or have weight problems, the corporate mentioned.
Research have proven that the Wegovy tablet is roughly as efficient as its injectable counterpart.
A semaglutide tablet referred to as Rybelsus has been out there for a few years, however the FDA solely permitted it to deal with diabetes, and the utmost dose is 14 mg.
Weight Loss in Scientific Trials
Researchers randomly assigned members to take a each day tablet containing 25 mg of semaglutide or a placebo. After 64 weeks, folks on the Wegovy tablet misplaced a median of 13.6 % of their beginning physique weight, in contrast with 2.2 % for the placebo.
The research additionally discovered:
- Virtually 8 in 10 folks on the Wegovy tablet misplaced not less than 5 % of their beginning weight, in contrast with about 3 in 10 taking a placebo tablet.
- Half misplaced not less than 15 % of their beginning weight, in contrast with 5.6 % taking the placebo.
- Roughly 30 % misplaced not less than 20 % of their beginning weight, in contrast with 3.3 % taking the placebo.
This proportion of “tremendous responders” — those who lose not less than 20 % of their beginning weight — is much like what’s seen when folks take injected GLP-1 medicines, says Jody Dushay, MD, an endocrinologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Middle and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical College in Boston.
“These outcomes are spectacular and thrilling,” Dr. Dushay says.
What Are the Aspect Results of the Wegovy Tablet?
Most members taking the 25 mg Wegovy tablet did expertise negative effects, which have been usually gentle. Total, 74 % of individuals on the drug reported abdomen points like nausea and vomiting. Uncomfortable side effects led nearly 7 % of individuals on oral semaglutide to discontinue remedy.
These negative effects are much like injectable Wegovy and Ozempic, says Melanie Jay, MD, a professor of medication and inhabitants well being on the New York College Grossman College of Drugs and director of the NYU Langone Complete Program on Weight problems Analysis.
“Oral and injectable semaglutide have broadly comparable gastrointestinal danger, excessive charges of largely gentle gastrointestinal signs, and low charges of great occasions,” Dr. Jay says.
Oral Semaglutide Has Execs and Cons
The Wegovy tablet comes with some restrictions round when and the best way to take it.
“It’s essential to know that oral semaglutide needs to be taken on an empty abdomen with a small quantity of water, not less than half-hour earlier than any meals, drink, or different medicines to maximise absorption,” Dushay says.
Nonetheless, the tablet could enchantment to individuals who don’t wish to use needles, Jay says. Injectable GLP-1 medicine additionally should be saved within the fridge, which can postpone some individuals who discover this reduces privateness and comfort, in contrast with taking a tablet.
Nonetheless, as with injectable GLP-1s, value could also be a consideration in figuring out entry to the Wegovy tablet, notably since many insurance policy don’t cowl weight problems medicines, Dushay says. “Sadly, I feel insurance coverage will nonetheless primarily decide how folks select which treatment to take for weight reduction,” Dushay says.
One other GLP-1 Tablet Might Quickly Be Obtainable
The Wegovy tablet isn’t the one GLP-1 oral remedy anticipated in 2026.
Drugmaker Eli Lilly is looking for FDA approval for its personal GLP-1 tablet, orforglipron, with a call anticipated early subsequent yr. Not like Wegovy, orforglipron has fewer restrictions round timing.
