New Obesity Pills Could Soon Expand Treatment Options
The landscape of obesity treatment is poised for significant change with the anticipated approval and advancement of oral medications, offering potential new avenues for individuals struggling with weight management. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Growing Numbers Are Already Using Injectable Drugs
Currently, approximately 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. are using injectable GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, diabetes, or other conditions, according to a recent poll by KFF, a nonprofit health policy research organization. Despite some insurance coverage,over half of these individuals report difficulty affording the medications.
2. Drugmakers Offer Discounts for Cash-Paying Patients
As early 2025,pharmaceutical companies have begun offering discounted prices to patients who do not utilize their health insurance. As of early November, novo Nordisk announced Zepbound will be available for $299 a month, while Wegovy will be priced at $349 a month for cash-paying customers.
3. Oral Medications Could Be Available Soon at Lower Costs
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have committed to pricing their potential oral obesity medications at $149 a month for consumers who forgo insurance coverage, as part of agreements with the Trump management.This price point would apply if the drugs receive FDA approval. Lower costs may be available with insurance coverage.
4. FDA Decisions Expected on First Two Pills
Novo Nordisk’s obesity pill is expected to receive FDA approval before the end of the year. Eli Lilly has submitted orforglipron for FDA approval and received a priority review voucher, possibly expediting the agency’s decision to “within months.”
5. Next-Generation Drugs and Industry Competition Are Expanding
Beyond the initial oral medications,Novo nordisk is studying cagrilintide,both alone and in combination with semaglutide,while Eli Lilly is investigating retatrutide. Both are in Phase 3 clinical trials. Additionally, Metsera, recently acquired by Pfizer in a deal potentially exceeding $10 billion, has several obesity drugs in its pipeline, though none are currently in late-stage trials.
