Novo Nordisk Reports Significant Weight Loss with Oral Wegovy Pill
Danish pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk announced on Wednesday that its phase 3 Oasis 4 trial for a once-daily oral obesity pill demonstrated a significant average weight reduction of 16.6% after 64 weeks in patients with obesity or overweight accompanied by at least one weight-related comorbidity. The results also showed that the pill’s safety and tolerability profile aligns closely with the company’s established once-weekly injectable Wegovy treatment.
Following the announcement, Novo Nordisk shares surged 5.4% by mid-morning London time.
Oral Semaglutide Offers New Patient Option
Chief Science Officer Martin Holst Lange emphasized that the oral formulation provides patients with a valuable alternative to injections. “Our job was to show that, with the tablet, we could get the same efficacy and the same safety and tolerability as we can with the injectable. That we have now done,” Lange told CNBC.
The oral pill utilizes semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, the same active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s flagship obesity and diabetes treatments, Wegovy and Ozempic. Prior studies of the injectable Wegovy demonstrated an average weight loss of approximately 15% in similar patient populations.
Regulatory Outlook and Manufacturing Plans
The Wegovy pill is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), having been submitted via a New Drug Application in February 2025. Novo Nordisk expects a regulatory decision in the fourth quarter of this year. If approved, the company plans to manufacture the pill entirely within the United States, aligning with broader industry trends encouraging domestic pharmaceutical production.
Competitive Landscape Intensifies
The race to develop an oral GLP-1 obesity treatment has accelerated, with no approved pills currently on the market. Eli Lilly’s Orforglipron has shown promising phase 3 results, with an average weight loss of 12.4% after 72 weeks. Analysts have suggested Orforglipron could receive fast-track FDA approval within one to two months under the agency’s “Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher” program.
Lange welcomed competition but underscored Novo Nordisk’s focus on long-term drug outcomes and patient adherence. He noted, “Semaglutide as a tablet has the potential to offer 17% body weight loss and with a good safety and tolerability profile.” He also referenced lower discontinuation rates compared to competitors, suggesting a favorable tolerability profile.
Broader Strategic Focus Amid Company Restructuring
In parallel with these clinical developments, Novo Nordisk recently announced plans to cut approximately 9,000 jobs under new CEO Mike Doustdar as part of a strategic reset aimed at refocusing on core diabetes and obesity treatments. Lange affirmed ongoing commitment to these areas and related comorbidities.
Overall, Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy pill represents a significant advancement in obesity treatment options, offering patients a non-injectable alternative with comparable efficacy and safety to existing therapies, while navigating a competitive and evolving market landscape.
FinOracleAI — Market View
Novo Nordisk’s announcement of robust phase 3 results for its oral Wegovy pill is likely to have a positive short-term impact on the company’s stock and market positioning. The pill’s comparable efficacy and tolerability to the injectable version address a key patient preference barrier, enhancing potential market penetration. However, intensifying competition from Eli Lilly and regulatory uncertainties pose risks to market share and timing. Investors should monitor FDA approval progress and competitive trial outcomes closely.
Impact: positive
