Novo Nordisk data shows Wegovy pill sustains weight loss after injection switch

Key points

• Real-world data from Ro’s telehealth platform shows patients switching to the oral Wegovy pill lost an average of 4% of their body weight over three months.
• The study included 194 patients, half of whom previously used Novo’s Wegovy injection and the other half used Eli Lilly’s Zepbound injection.
• Novo Nordisk’s chief scientific officer noted that patients can expect similar safety and tolerability profiles with the pill, along with continued weight loss.
• The company also announced that its experimental drug CagriSema reduced 'food noise' and improved organ and bone health in a yearlong brain imaging study.
• CagriSema, a combination of semaglutide and cagrilintide, is expected to launch early next year, with standalone cagrilintide and a higher-dose version following in 2028.

Background

Recent coverage highlights the expanding benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss, including improvements in kidney health and cardiovascular risk. Novo Nordisk has also signaled plans to diversify its portfolio through acquisitions as competition from rivals like Eli Lilly intensifies in the obesity market.

Why it matters

The data suggests a potential shift in patient preference toward oral medications, which may improve adherence and convenience. This could influence future treatment guidelines and market dynamics for obesity drugs, as companies compete to offer more accessible options.

What to watch

Novo Nordisk will continue to release data on its obesity and diabetes pipeline, including the upcoming launch of CagriSema. The company is also exploring acquisitions to diversify beyond its core GLP-1 therapies.