Key facts
- The weight-loss pill Wegovy is now available in German pharmacies.
- Its active ingredient is semaglutide, which mimics a gut hormone to increase satiety.
- The prescription-only medication is approved for adults with obesity.
- The retail price is expected to range from 170 to 280 euros.
- A study showed an average weight loss of 13.6 percent in adults taking the tablet form.
The weight-loss pill Wegovy, manufactured by Danish company Novo Nordisk, has become available in German pharmacies starting September 1st. This follows its EU approval in July, making Germany the first country to sell the medication. The prescription-only drug contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the injectable version, which works by mimicking a gut hormone to promote a feeling of fullness.
The retail price for the tablet form is anticipated to be between 170 and 280 euros. While the injectable Wegovy is approved for individuals aged 12 and above, the tablet is specifically for adults. Clinical trials, such as the OASIS-4 study which formed the basis for EU approval, indicated an average body weight reduction of approximately 13.6 percent among adult participants taking the semaglutide tablets over 64 weeks. This compares to a higher average weight loss of 19 percent observed with the injection over a slightly longer period of 72 weeks.
Similar to the injection, the oral version can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea, and may lead to pancreatic inflammation. Unlike the weekly injection, the tablet requires daily administration. Julia Szendrödi, president of the German Diabetes Association, emphasized that these medications are not miracle cures but components of a comprehensive therapy for chronic diseases like obesity, underscoring the importance of diet, exercise, and broader public health measures.
The global market for weight-loss medicines is highly competitive, with analysts projecting it could reach $100 billion annually by 2030. Other products are also entering the market, such as Eli Lilly's "Foundayo" pill, set for release in the UK in late August. These treatments are generally prescribed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, or below 30 for those with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea.