Novo Nordisk has announced that its oral obesity treatment, Wegovy® (semaglutide) tablets 25 mg, has surpassed three million prescriptions in the United States within just over five months of launch, marking one of the strongest pharmaceutical product introductions by prescription volume in U.S. history.
The milestone highlights the rapid adoption of the oral formulation since it became available in January 2026. According to the company, the achievement equates to approximately one prescription being filled every five seconds. Wegovy® pill reached its first one million prescriptions within 12 weeks of availability, covering the period from early January to late March 2026. The following two million prescriptions were accumulated even faster, within a span of just 10 weeks through early June.
Novo Nordisk said the majority of patients receiving the oral treatment are new to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapy. More than 80% of new prescriptions have been written for individuals who had not previously used a GLP-1 medication, suggesting that the tablet formulation is helping expand access to obesity treatment rather than simply shifting patients from existing injectable therapies.
“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 and known heart disease,” said Jamey Millar, executive vice president of U.S. Operations at Novo Nordisk. He added that the availability of both Wegovy® pill and the newly launched Wegovy® HD injection allows healthcare providers and patients to choose treatment options that best suit their needs.
The company also noted that more patients beginning a new weight-management therapy in 2026 have started Wegovy® than any other obesity medication currently available. Alongside the success of the oral formulation, Novo Nordisk reported strong early demand for Wegovy® HD (semaglutide) injection 7.2 mg, which was recently introduced to the market.
Expanding affordability and access remains a key focus for Novo Nordisk. Through existing savings programs, commercially insured patients may obtain Wegovy® for as little as $25 per month. The company has also introduced the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which is scheduled to launch on July 1, 2026. The initiative will provide eligible Medicare beneficiaries living with obesity access to Wegovy® injections and tablets for a monthly copay of $50.
Wegovy® is currently available through more than 70,000 pharmacies across the United States, as well as through NovoCare® Pharmacy and selected telehealth providers.
The announcement coincides with Novo Nordisk’s participation at the American Diabetes Association’s 86th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, where the company is presenting new clinical data and analyses related to Wegovy® in adults with obesity.
Looking beyond the U.S. market, Novo Nordisk is preparing to launch Wegovy® tablets internationally during the second half of 2026. The company recently secured approval in the United Arab Emirates and expects additional market introductions later this year as it seeks to expand global access to obesity treatment.