PLAINSBORO, N.J. – Novo Nordisk reported that Wegovy (semaglutide) 25 mg tablets have topped three million U.S. prescriptions in just over five months, making the oral version one of the strongest pharmaceutical launches by volume on record. That milestone equates to roughly one prescription filled every five seconds since the drug’s January 2026 debut.
Uptake has been rapid: Wegovy tablets reached their first one million prescriptions within 12 weeks of launch, and added another two million in just 10 more weeks. More than 80% of new prescriptions are for patients new to GLP-1 therapy, suggesting the oral formulation is expanding the obesity treatment market rather than displacing existing options.
"Wegovy offers adults with obesity significant weight loss, along with diet and exercise, and is FDA-approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with obesity with known heart disease – making Wegovy pill truly distinct. With Wegovy pill and Wegovy HD available for weight management, patients and their healthcare providers are making choices that fit their needs, resulting in the clear adoption for both treatments," said Jamey Millar, executive vice president, US Operations of Novo Nordisk. "Novo Nordisk remains determined to continue playing a major part in addressing the global public health challenge of obesity by deeply understanding the needs of those who live with it. That is why we are at ADA 2026 – to talk to patients, healthcare professionals, and investors to present our data but also listen and learn."
This year, more patients starting a new weight management therapy have filled prescriptions for Wegovy than any other available obesity medication. Alongside the three million prescription milestone for Wegovy pill, the recently launched Wegovy HD (semaglutide) injection 7.2 mg has demonstrated strong uptake in the early days of availability.
Expanding affordable access to medicines is a priority for Novo Nordisk including the expansion of coverage for those with insurance in the US. Those with commercial insurance coverage can access Wegovy for as little as $25 per month through existing savings programs. The recently announced Medicare GLP-1 Bridge builds on these efforts to expand access and will provide eligible Medicare beneficiaries living with obesity access to Wegovy (semaglutide) injection and tablets for a $50 monthly copay, beginning July 1, 2026. In addition, Wegovy is available through a range of access options, including more than 70,000 US pharmacies, NovoCare Pharmacy, select telehealth providers, and others.
This announcement coincides with Novo Nordisk presenting an array of clinical data at the American Diabetes Association 2026 86th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans (June 5-8, 2026), including a variety of Wegovy analyses in adults with obesity.
Novo Nordisk is preparing for the first launches of the Wegovy pill outside the United States in the second half of 2026, including the recently announced approval and launch in the United Arab Emirates.
