Healthy Returns: Novo Nordisk's head of research and development previews the first-ever obesity pill

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk is on the verge of launching the first-ever needle-free weight loss drug, with U.S. approval expected by the end of 2025 and a launch planned for early 2026 [2][3]. Drug Development and Market Position - The new drug is a 25-milligram oral version of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's popular weight loss injection Wegovy and diabetes drug Mounjaro [2]. - Several competitors, including Eli Lilly, are also developing obesity pills, but Novo Nordisk's drug is positioned to have a head start in the market [3]. Clinical Trial Results - The oral semaglutide pill demonstrated an average weight loss of up to 16.6% over 64 weeks in a late-stage trial, with a 13.6% weight loss when considering all patients [5]. - This weight loss is comparable to the injectable version of semaglutide and slightly exceeds results from Eli Lilly's experimental pill [6]. Safety and Tolerability - Novo Nordisk's pill has a lower discontinuation rate due to side effects, with 6.9% of patients stopping treatment compared to 10.3% for Eli Lilly's highest dose pill [7][8]. - The drug may also provide cardiovascular health benefits, as semaglutide has an established cardiovascular benefit profile [8][9]. Dietary Requirements - The oral semaglutide must be taken on an empty stomach with specific dietary instructions, which some analysts believe could be a hurdle for patients [11]. - However, the company argues that these requirements are manageable and do not significantly limit patient adherence [12]. Market Strategy - Novo Nordisk aims to cater to patients who prefer oral medications over injections, acknowledging that some individuals may have aversions to needles [13]. - The company envisions a treatment pathway where patients can switch between injectable and oral forms to maintain their results [13]. Supply Chain and Manufacturing - Novo Nordisk has faced supply shortages for its injectable products in the past but is confident in its ability to scale up manufacturing for the new oral drug [14][15]. - Investments in production capacity, including a new manufacturing plant in North Carolina, are expected to support both injectable and oral drug supply [16].