For those who use semaglutides—injected drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro that assist in weight loss and diabetes management—could soon have the option of taking the drug in pill form, a new study shows.
Right now, these popular weight-loss drugs are administered via a weekly dose of up to 2.4 milligrams injected into the layer of fat over the thigh, back of the upper arms, or two inches from the navel on the stomach.
However, the downside of taking the pill version is that less of the drug gets into your system compared with the subcutaneous injection method commonly used.
Over the course of 71 weeks, the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted by Oasis 4—conducted at 22 locations in four different countries—featured 307 voluntary test subjects, 205 receiving the actual pill and the rest the placebo. Exercise and weight management were also utilized.
"In our trial, oral semaglutide at a dose of 25 mg once daily led to a clinically relevant mean reduction in body weight of 13.6 percent," Wharton and the researchers wrote.
Additionally, almost a third of the participants in the oral semaglutide group had a reduction in body weight of 20 percent or more, the report stated.
A benefit of having a pill option, the study noted, is that the injectable version must be refrigerated. And for those lacking refrigeration, a pill is the better option, the scientists said.
Management of these side effects includes staying hydrated, eating bland foods, and a slow increase in dosage.
Novo Nordisk is the company that makes Wegovy and is seeking approval for the semaglutide pill. The Food and Drug Administration has already accepted Novo Nordisk's application to approve its 25 mg oral semaglutide in tablet form.