The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a groundbreaking pill version of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, marking a significant milestone in obesity treatment. The oral formulation offers patients an alternative to the weekly injections that have made GLP-1 medications a pharmaceutical sensation.
The approval comes as demand for weight-loss medications has skyrocketed, with Wegovy and similar drugs like Ozempic transforming the healthcare landscape. The injectable versions have faced persistent supply shortages due to overwhelming demand.
"This approval represents an important advancement for patients who prefer oral medications," said an FDA spokesperson. "It provides another option for adults struggling with obesity or weight-related health conditions."
The pill works through the same mechanism as the injectable version, mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that regulates appetite and food intake. Clinical trials showed significant weight loss in participants taking the oral formulation.
Analysts predict the pill version could expand the market significantly, as many patients have been reluctant to use injectable medications. However, experts caution that the oral form may have different efficacy profiles compared to injections.
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