Novo’s Obesity Drug Wins First European Approval
The UK has become the first country in Europe to approve Novo Nordisk’s oral weight-loss medication, marking a significant milestone in the rapidly expanding obesity treatment market. The approval, granted by Britain’s medicines regulator, gives millions of people living with obesity access to a pill-based alternative to injectable treatments.
The new medication contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in Novo Nordisk’s widely known injectable drugs, Wegovy for weight management and Ozempic for diabetes. The approval strengthens Novo’s position as it competes with rival Eli Lilly in the growing market for obesity therapies.
More than 10 million people in the UK are estimated to be living with obesity, and the availability of an oral treatment could attract patients who are hesitant to use injections. Novo Nordisk previously secured approval for the pill in the United States and launched it earlier this year. Eli Lilly followed with its own oral obesity treatment, Foundayo, after receiving regulatory clearance in April.
Industry analysts forecast that the global obesity drug market could exceed $100 billion in annual revenue by 2030. Both Novo and Lilly view oral medications as a key opportunity to expand access to treatment and reach a broader patient population.
Dr. Marie Spreckley of the University of Cambridge noted that some patients may prefer tablets over injections, although the medication must be taken on an empty stomach and at least 30 minutes before eating. She emphasized that future challenges will include ensuring patient access, encouraging long-term adherence, and integrating the treatment effectively into routine healthcare services.
Access remains a major issue in the UK. According to IQVIA data, approximately 2.4 million people used GLP-1 weight-loss medications last year, but only around 200,000 received treatment through the National Health Service (NHS). Most users obtained the drugs through private providers, where costs can reach several hundred pounds per month.
Before the medication can be widely available through the NHS, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) must evaluate its clinical and cost effectiveness. A NICE spokesperson confirmed that discussions with Novo Nordisk are ongoing, but the company still needs to submit the required evidence for assessment.
Danielle Brightman, Clinical Director at digital healthcare platform Numan, welcomed the approval, saying that oral GLP-1 treatments could increase patient choice and encourage more people to seek treatment. However, she cautioned that such medications are not a complete solution to obesity and should be viewed as part of a broader approach to weight management.
