U.S. FDA and Drug Regulation

Novo Nordisk’s oral obesity drug Wegovy began appearing in U.S. pharmacies on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, with the starter dose available immediately and higher doses arriving later in the week after FDA approval on Dec. 22 that also cleared it to reduce heart attack and stroke risk in obese or overweight patients. Clinical trial data showed a 13.6% average weight loss over 64 weeks on a 25 mg dose versus 2.2% for placebo (an estimated 16.6% for adherent patients who also cut calories and exercised); the pill must be taken on an empty stomach with a 30‑minute wait before eating, common side effects mirror the injectable (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting), cash prices start at $149/month for the starter dose and $299/month for higher doses (list price $1,349/month) with insurers possibly reducing patient costs to as little as $25, amid tightened insurer coverage in 2025 and pending competition from Eli Lilly.