Pharma giant Novo Nordisk has officially announced the launch of an oral version of its blockbuster drug. According to Reuters, the drug, branded as “Ozempic pill,” will go on sale in the second quarter of this year. The FDA has approved a new range of semaglutide dosages designed to simplify life for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Brand Power vs. Confusion
The decision to launch “Ozempic” in pill form is driven by marketing necessity. The new name is intended to help patients and healthcare professionals navigate available treatment options more easily.
In fact, oral semaglutide has been sold since 2019 under the brand name Rybelsus (in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg dosages). However, its brand recognition is incomparable to that of the injectable “Ozempic.”
“Because ‘Ozempic’ is so well known, people often ask whether there’s an oral option for people with type 2 diabetes, without realizing Rybelsus has been available since 2019.”
— Ed Cinca, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Novo Nordisk
New Dosages and FDA Approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved semaglutide tablets in new dosages: 1.5 mg; 4 mg; 9 mg.
The approval was based on bioequivalence studies and clinical trial data previously conducted for Rybelsus. Oral semaglutide is approved not only for glycemic control but also to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
Future Plans
The Danish drugmaker expects a regulatory decision on a higher dosage of oral semaglutide — 25 mg — by the end of 2026.
Read also: Obesity Pill Battle: Lilly’s Chemistry vs. Novo’s Peptides
