Health Care — FDA approves first weight-loss GLP-1 pill

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View Online Health Care The Big Story  Pill version of Wegovy could widen access The FDA just approved the first pill version of a blockbuster GLP-1 drug for weight loss, a move that could significantly widen access to the treatment, though the full costs aren't clear.  © AP The approval of once-daily Wegovy, made by Danish company Novo Nordisk, gives them an edge over rival Eli Lilly, which has its own GLP-1 pill under FDA review.   But the companies have been battling for market share, and it's not yet clear to what extent the pill version of Wegovy will boost Novo's profile.  The Wegvoy pill has also been approved to reduce cardiovascular risks, similar to the injectable version.  GLP-1s are a class of drugs that have become blockbusters for the way they help people lose weight. But they are expensive, list prices for GLP-1 drugs can top $1,000 for a month's supply prior to insurance coverage, rebates, and discount coupons, must be refrigerated and are delivered through an injection.   A daily pill is much cheaper to make and opens up the treatment to people who don't like injections.   "The pill is here," Mike Doustdar, Novo's CEO, said in a statement.  The starting dose of the pill will be available in "early January," the company said, though larger doses won't be announced until later.  About 1 in 8 Americans have used injectable GLP-1 drugs, according to a survey from KFF. But affordability is a significant concern. The same survey found about half of those who reported ever taking the drugs said it was difficult to afford them.  The starting dose of the Wegovy pill, 1.5mg. will be available for $149 a month.  That's cheaper than the starting doses of the Wegovy injectable pen, which Novo Nordisk is offering for $199 for a limited time to new patients who pay with cash.   That special pricing will last through the end of March before reverting to at least $349 a month.  Novo and Lilly have both reached an agreement with the Trump administration to sell their pills for about $150 a month for the lowest dose through direct-to-consumer channels, including the administration's TrumpRx.   Of note— the dosage of GLP-1 drugs ramps up over time. The company in its release cited results from the highest dose of 25mg taken once daily. Novo did not disclose the price for the 25mg dose.   Welcome to The Hill's Health Care newsletter, we're Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. 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