Tablet form of Wegovy launches with strong demand in the US

Initial market entry data for the new tablet form of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 medication, Wegovy, indicates encouragingly strong demand. Meanwhile, its main competitor, Eli Lilly, is still awaiting an FDA decision on its own oral therapy, according to a report by pharmaphorum.

According to IQVIA data cited by Reuters, oral Wegovy (semaglutide) received 3,071 prescriptions during its first four days on the market. The drug was approved by the FDA late last year and officially launched on January 5.

Barclays analysts specify that these data cover only sales through retail pharmacies. They add that the figures do not include deliveries via Novo Nordisk’s direct channel, NovoCare Pharmacy, meaning the actual number of patients is likely higher.

The news had a positive impact on Novo Nordisk shares, which had been under pressure for most of 2025 due to increased competition from Eli Lilly’s injectable GLP-1 therapies, including Zepbound (tirzepatide). Simultaneously, Lilly’s shares weakened following reports of a possible delay in the FDA’s decision regarding its oral GLP-1 drug, orforglipron.

Orforglipron was granted a national priority review voucher by the FDA, allowing for an expedited regulatory review period. Theoretically, this could have secured a market debut just weeks after oral Wegovy, despite the approval application being submitted later. Eli Lilly announced this week that it expects a decision in the second quarter—later than initial market expectations. Analysts suggest the delay may be related to a more thorough safety review, consistent with other programs that received priority vouchers.

Nevertheless, the timeframe means that orforglipron could be launched before the expansion of access to weight-loss medications in the US, which will include Medicare-covered patients starting in April. Currently, the market is primarily dominated by self-paying patients.

Both oral medications have the potential to significantly expand the US market for GLP-1 weight-reduction therapies. Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar stated earlier this week that tablet forms could reach approximately 85 million people, whereas injectable therapies are suitable for approximately 15 million patients.

Analysts expect both drugs to become multi-billion dollar brands. However, opinions differ on which product will dominate the market. Wegovy has the advantage of an established brand and, according to Novo Nordisk, weight-loss efficacy comparable to injectable forms. Furthermore, the drug can benefit from accumulated data on semaglutide regarding comorbidities such as heart failure and kidney impairment. A potential disadvantage, however, is the requirement to take it on an empty stomach—a requirement that does not apply to orforglipron.

Both companies emphasize that as prices gradually decrease, direct-to-consumer channels will be key to achieving commercial goals. Oral therapies are also viewed as an important tool for maintaining weight reduction, especially given data showing that weight can be quickly regained after discontinuing GLP-1 treatment.