Novo Nordisk announced that Wegovy (semaglutide) tablets 25 mg have surpassed 3 million prescriptions in the United States since launching on January 5, 2026, marking one of the strongest pharmaceutical product launches by prescription volume in recent U.S. history.
According to the company, the milestone equates to approximately one prescription being filled every five seconds. Wegovy pill reached its first one million prescriptions within 12 weeks of launch and added another two million prescriptions during the following 10 weeks, demonstrating continued momentum in the obesity treatment market.
Novo Nordisk reported that more than 80% of new Wegovy pill prescriptions have come from patients who were previously not using GLP-1 therapies. The company said this suggests the oral formulation is expanding access to obesity treatment rather than simply shifting patients from existing injectable products.
The announcement coincides with Novo Nordisk’s participation at the American Diabetes Association’s 2026 Scientific Sessions, where the company is presenting multiple analyses involving Wegovy in adults with obesity.
The company also highlighted strong early adoption of Wegovy HD, its recently launched 7.2 mg semaglutide injection, as demand for obesity treatments continues to increase.
To improve patient access, Novo Nordisk noted that commercially insured patients may be eligible to obtain Wegovy for as little as $25 per month through savings programs. Beginning July 1, 2026, the company’s newly announced Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program is expected to provide eligible Medicare beneficiaries living with obesity access to Wegovy tablets and injections for a $50 monthly copay.
Novo Nordisk plans to begin international launches of Wegovy tablets during the second half of 2026, including a recently announced launch in the United Arab Emirates.
The company views the oral formulation as an important step in expanding access to obesity care, particularly among patients who may prefer a pill-based treatment option compared with injectable therapies.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
“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.”
Jamey Millar, Executive Vice President, U.S. Operations, Novo Nordisk
