Obesity drug sparks competition in America

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk announced on Monday the launch of its weight-loss pills, “Wegovi,” in the United States, in a move considered the most significant in the obesity drug market, which is witnessing fierce competition among global companies.

This drug is the first of its kind to be taken orally and is based on GLP-1 compounds for the treatment of obesity. These are modern drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes, and have proven to be very effective in weight loss, so they have become a major focus in obesity drugs. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration last December and is taken once a day.

The drug is currently available in 1.5 and 4 milligram doses at a cost of up to $149 per month. The company will also offer two additional doses, 9 milligrams and 25 milligrams, for long-term use at a price of up to $299 per month. The price of the 4-milligram dose is expected to rise to $199 as of April 15, 2026.

Novo Nordisk is seeking to strengthen its presence in the weight loss market after losing significant market share to its American competitor Eli Lilly, whose competing drug is still under review by the relevant authorities.

Wegovi offers an alternative to needle injections, which appeals to a wider range of patients seeking more comfortable and user-friendly options in a market where obesity treatments are among the fastest-growing categories in the pharmaceutical industry.

The drug is also available in many American pharmacies, on e-health platforms and with telemedicine providers, in a move aimed at expanding access for patients.

This move led to a rise in Novo Nordisk shares in European markets by nearly 3%, while Eli Lilly shares saw a decline of about 1% in trading before the opening of the Wall Street stock exchange.