Pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk introduced in an announcement that once-daily Wigovy tablets (semaglutide) have been authorized for weight reduction and weight upkeep in adults who’re chubby or overweight and have not less than one related well being downside.
The drug was additionally authorized to scale back the chance of coronary heart assault, stroke and demise in folks with coronary heart illness and who’re chubby or overweight, the corporate mentioned.
Research have proven that Wegovy tablets are almost as efficient as injectable tablets.
Semaglutide tablets, known as Rybelsus, have been obtainable for a few years, however the FDA has solely authorized them for the remedy of diabetes, with a most dose of 14 mg.
Weight reduction in scientific trials
Researchers randomly assigned contributors to take a capsule containing 25 mg of semaglutide or a placebo day by day. After 64 weeks, individuals who took Wegovy capsules misplaced weight on common. 13.6 % of beginning physique weight; in comparison with 2.2 % for placebo.
The examine additionally discovered:
- About 8 out of 10 individuals who took Wegovy capsules misplaced not less than 5% of their beginning weight, in comparison with about 3 out of 10 who took a placebo capsule.
- Half misplaced not less than 15 % of their beginning weight, in contrast with 5.6 % of these taking a placebo.
- About 30% misplaced not less than 20% of their beginning weight, in comparison with 3.3% of those that took a placebo.
This price of “tremendous responders” (individuals who misplaced not less than 20 % of their preliminary physique weight) is comparable to what’s seen when folks obtain injections of GLP-1 medication, says Jodi Dusha, M.D., an endocrinologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Middle and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical Faculty in Boston.
“These outcomes are spectacular and thrilling,” says Dr. Dushay.
What are the unwanted effects of Wegovy Capsule?
Most contributors who took the 25 mg Wegovy tablets skilled unwanted effects, however they have been normally delicate. General, 74% of individuals taking this drug reported abdomen issues equivalent to nausea and vomiting. Nearly 7% of individuals taking oral semaglutide discontinued remedy as a consequence of unwanted effects.
These unwanted effects are just like the injectable medication Wegovy and Ozempic, says Melanie Jay, M.D., professor of medication and inhabitants well being at NYU Grossman Faculty of Drugs and director of the NYU Langone Weight problems Analysis Complete Program.
“Oral semaglutide and injectable semaglutide have related gastrointestinal dangers, with increased charges of largely delicate gastrointestinal signs and decrease charges of significant occasions,” Jay mentioned.
Oral semaglutide has benefits and downsides
Wegovy capsules have some restrictions on when and find out how to take them.
“It is vital to know that oral semaglutide must be taken on an empty abdomen with a small quantity of water, not less than half-hour earlier than meals, drinks, or different medicines to maximise absorption,” Duchey says.
However the capsule could also be interesting to individuals who do not wish to use needles, Jay mentioned. Some might imagine that injectable GLP-1 medication additionally should be saved within the fridge, which reduces their privateness and comfort in comparison with taking tablets.
Nonetheless, as with injectable GLP-1, Dushay says value could also be a consideration when deciding to make use of Wegovy capsules, particularly since many insurance coverage don’t cowl weight problems medication. “Sadly, I believe insurance coverage nonetheless largely determines how folks select the medication they take for weight reduction,” Duchey says.
One other GLP-1 capsule could also be obtainable quickly
Wegovy tablets aren’t the one GLP-1 oral remedy anticipated in 2026.
Pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly is searching for FDA approval for its GLP-1 pill Orforglipron, with a choice anticipated early subsequent 12 months. In contrast to Wegovy, orforglipron has few timing restrictions.
