Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk's oral version of Wegovy has received FDA approval and is set to launch for self-paying users in the U.S. in early January 2026, marking a significant competitive advantage over Eli Lilly [1][5] Core Transaction and Launch Strategy - In November, Novo Nordisk agreed to a pricing strategy of $149 per month for Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured self-paying users if the oral weight loss drug was approved [2][6] - The company plans to distribute the drug through various channels, including CVS, Walmart, and online platforms like GoodRx, allowing patients to start treatment without waiting for insurance coverage [2][7] - This marks a shift in Novo Nordisk's traditional approach, focusing on self-paying users to stimulate sales growth amid increasing competition, which has led to a significant drop in the company's market value [2][7] Market Competition and Product Advantages - Novo Nordisk faces intense competition from Eli Lilly's Zepbound and potential low-cost generic versions of semaglutide, with Eli Lilly's oral weight loss drug expected to be approved by March 2026 [3][8] - The oral version of Wegovy aims to attract patients who are reluctant to undergo GLP-1 injection therapy, providing more prescription options for doctors and better aligning with patient needs [3][8] - Clinical trials indicate that users of the oral Wegovy lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight over 15 months, closely matching the injection version's effectiveness of approximately 15% [3][8] Self-Paying Market Potential and Industry Perspectives - The CEO of telehealth company Ro noted that the oral medication is a more acceptable "entry option" for patients who fear needles or experience "injection fatigue" [4][9] - Novo Nordisk does not expect the oral version to cannibalize the injection version's business, with analysts predicting that oral GLP-1 drugs could capture 20% of the global weight loss drug market by 2030 [4][9] - However, some fund managers express skepticism about the current valuations of certain listed companies, indicating that the long-term market performance of oral weight loss drugs will depend on user demand and pricing strategies [4][9]