BAGSVÆRD, Denmark, June 3, 2026
Novo Nordisk has announced the launch of Wegovy® pill (semaglutide tablets) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a major milestone in the company’s strategy to expand global access to innovative obesity treatments. The UAE becomes the first country outside the United States to make the oral version of Wegovy available, reinforcing Novo Nordisk’s leadership in the rapidly growing obesity care market. The launch introduces the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management, offering patients a convenient alternative to injectable therapies while maintaining strong efficacy outcomes. With obesity rates continuing to rise worldwide and demand for effective weight-management therapies increasing, the introduction of Wegovy pill represents a significant advancement in expanding treatment options for millions of people living with obesity and related health conditions. The launch also reflects Novo Nordisk’s broader commitment to improving access to evidence-based obesity care and supporting long-term disease management across international markets.
Wegovy Pill Delivers Strong Weight-Loss and Cardiovascular Benefits
The approval and launch of Wegovy® pill are supported by data from the OASIS 4 clinical trial program, which demonstrated substantial and clinically meaningful weight reduction among adults living with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related comorbidity. In the study, participants receiving oral semaglutide 25 mg once daily achieved approximately 17% mean weight loss, a result comparable to that observed with injectable Wegovy® 2.4 mg. Notably, nearly one-third of participants experienced weight reductions of 20% or greater, highlighting the therapy’s effectiveness in supporting long-term weight management goals.
In addition to weight reduction benefits, Wegovy pill is the only oral weight-loss medication approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including heart attack and stroke, in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight. This dual benefit positions the therapy as a significant advancement in obesity medicine, addressing both excess body weight and associated cardiovascular risks that contribute substantially to long-term health complications.
Expanding Global Access to Innovative Obesity Care
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Novo Nordisk stated that the UAE launch represents an important step in the company’s ambition to expand access to obesity treatments globally. The company indicated that future launches will be guided by factors such as patient demand, healthcare infrastructure, physician readiness, and access to long-term obesity management programs. The UAE was selected as an early launch market due to strong healthcare capabilities, growing awareness of obesity as a chronic disease, and increasing demand for innovative treatment options.
According to current estimates, approximately 28% of adults in the UAE are living with obesity, while nearly 7.5 million people are projected to be overweight or obese by 2035, highlighting the significant public health burden posed by the condition. The availability of an oral treatment option may help increase patient acceptance and adherence by providing a more convenient alternative for individuals reluctant to use injectable therapies. As obesity continues to emerge as one of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges, expanding access to scientifically validated treatments remains a critical priority.
Strengthening Novo Nordisk’s Leadership in Obesity Treatment
The launch of Wegovy pill further strengthens Novo Nordisk’s position as a global leader in metabolic disease and obesity management. The company has played a central role in transforming obesity care through the development of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies that address the biological drivers of weight gain and weight maintenance. By introducing the first approved oral GLP-1 therapy for weight management, Novo Nordisk is expanding treatment accessibility while supporting broader healthcare efforts aimed at reducing obesity-related complications, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders.
The launch also reflects growing recognition among healthcare professionals that obesity is a chronic, progressive disease requiring long-term medical management rather than solely lifestyle intervention. As Novo Nordisk prepares for additional international launches in the second half of 2026, Wegovy pill is expected to play an increasingly important role in advancing global obesity care and improving outcomes for patients seeking sustainable weight-loss solutions.
Source: Novo Nordisk press release
