Wegovy pill becomes available in German pharmacies
The tablet form of Wegovy, developed by Novo Nordisk, has been made available to patients in pharmacies in Germany.
The oral tablet form of the obesity treatment drug Wegovy, developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, went on sale in pharmacies in Germany as of September 1.
Wegovy Tablet Launched in Germany
The oral tablet form of Wegovy, developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, was made available in pharmacies in Germany as of September 1. Having received approval from the European Union in July, Germany has become the first country where the Wegovy tablet is made available to patients following this approval. The price of the drug is expected to range between 170 and 280 euros depending on the dosage and treatment regimen.
Usage and Mechanism of Action
The active ingredient of the prescription-only Wegovy tablet is known as semaglutide. The drug helps reduce appetite and feel full for longer by mimicking a gut hormone that plays a role in regulating the feeling of fullness in the body. While the tablet form was developed as an alternative to the previously used weekly injection, the pill needs to be taken daily.
Weight Loss and Clinical Results
In the OASIS-4 study evaluating the effects of the Wegovy tablet, overweight adults experienced an average reduction of 13.6 percent in their body weight. In the study, 205 participants used semaglutide tablets while 102 people were given a placebo. In the injection form, the weight loss rate reached approximately 19 percent.
Expert Warnings and Treatment Process
Julia Szendrödi, President of the German Diabetes Association, points out that obesity medications should not be viewed as a standalone solution. Experts emphasize that whether in pill or injection form, these treatments must be considered alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Market Competition and User Criteria
The launch of the tablet form of Wegovy also increases competition in the rapidly growing obesity medication market. The drugs are primarily designed for the weight management of obese individuals with a body mass index of 30 and above, and their use is determined by a physician.