Wegovy pill (semaglutide tablets oral once-daily) / Novo Nordisk - LARVOL DELTA

Oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonists: a new Frontier in cardiometabolic medicine. (PubMed, Front Pharmacol) - "Unlike oral semaglutide, which delivers a peptide via sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl) amino] caprylate (SNAC)-mediated absorption with stringent dosing requirements, small-molecule GLP-1 RAs evade enzymatic degradation and facilitate once-daily oral dosing without fasting restrictions or cold-chain logistics. This review synthesizes the pharmacology, Phase 3 clinical evidence (including the ACHIEVE and ATTAIN programs), comparative efficacy against injectable GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors, safety data from over 11,000 patients, and the evolving regulatory landscape-including FDA approval of orforglipron (Foundayo) for chronic weight management in April 2026. We explore positioning within the cardiometabolic treatment algorithm, emphasize limits of indirect comparisons, identify the unresolved cardiovascular outcomes question linked to biased partial agonism, and discuss implications for global access."

Journal • Review • Cardiovascular • Diabetes • Genetic Disorders • Metabolic Disorders • Obesity • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Novo to share real-world and clinical data including Wegovy pill, and cardiometabolic pipeline progress with next-generation amylin treatments at EASD 2026 (GlobeNewswire) - "New data will highlight the breadth of semaglutide evidence across the cardiometabolic spectrum, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular, kidney and fatty liver disease, and new data on Wegovy pill, Wegovy 7.2 mg and Ozempic 2.0 mg. Real-world evidence from the OCTANE study will provide insights into Wegovy pill use in adults with overweight or obesity, including weight outcomes, treatment switching and patient-reported outcomes. CagriSema and amylin-based pipeline data will provide new insights into appetite regulation, eating behaviour, food noise, body composition and bone health (bone remodelling mechanisms). The data will advance our understanding of the underlying biology of obesity and type 2 diabetes and inform next-generation cardiometabolic innovation."

Clinical data • Cardiovascular • Obesity • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Tirzepatide Benefit for Early Glycemic and Weight Management in People with T2D in Japan: Rationale, Design, and Baseline Characteristics of T-BEAT Study. (PubMed, Diabetes Ther) - "The T-BEAT study assesses the real-world effectiveness of tirzepatide over a 12-month treatment period in participants with early stage T2D. This study's results are expected to provide valuable information to physicians, enabling them to make informed decisions in routine clinical practice."

Journal • Diabetes • Dyslipidemia • Metabolic Disorders • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Oral orforglipron 17.2 mg versus oral semaglutide 25 mg in adults with type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥25kg/m2: an indirect treatment comparison (EASD 2026) - P3 | "Materials and ACHIEVE-3, a 52-week randomized, open-label, active-controlled, multinational phase 3 study, enrolled adults ≥18 years with T2D on metformin (≥1500 mg/day), HbA 1c 7.0-10.5%, and BMI ≥25 kg/m². In this indirect treatment comparison, OFG 17.2 mg was associated with greater reductions in BW and HbA 1c versus SEMA 25 mg in adults with inadequately controlled T2D and overweight or obesity. While the magnitude of the treatment difference is statistically significant, the clinical meaningfulness needs to be further explored through long term health outcomes. Further, direct comparative studies are needed to confirm the treatment differences."

Clinical • Late-breaking abstract • Diabetes • Metabolic Disorders • Obesity • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Next-generation menin inhibitor KO-7246 regenerates beta cell mass in diabetic rodent and human islet models (EASD 2026) - "In the db/db mouse model of T2D, KO-7246 produced significant dose-dependent reductions in fasting blood glucose (FBG, p<0.001) and increases in both insulin and c-peptide levels (p<0.01 and p<0.01) and synergized with semaglutide. These data support the clinical development of KO-7246, both as monotherapy and potentially in combination with GLP1 agonists, in both T1D and T2D patients."

Preclinical • Diabetes • Metabolic Disorders • Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus • KMT2A

Oral small-molecule GIP receptor antagonists demonstrate synergistic weight loss in combination with semaglutide in pre-clinical models (EASD 2026) - "The LongKe compounds represent a differentiated class of GIP receptor antagonist, characterized by high potency, favorable cross-species pharmacokinetic properties, and significant weight-reducing efficacy. Head-to-head studies demonstrate superior activity, pharmacokinetics, and enhanced synergistic effects in combination with semaglutide compared to a reference comparator. Together, these findings support GIPR antagonism as a differentiated therapeutic strategy and highlight the potential of this series as a best-in-class combination for incretin-based therapies in obesity and type 2 diabetes."

Combination therapy • Preclinical • Diabetes • Metabolic Disorders • Obesity • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Treatment with elecoglipron, an oral, once-daily, small molecule GLP-1RA, improves non-invasive biomarkers of liver function in the 26-week phase 2b SOLSTICE trial: post-hoc analysis (EASD 2026) - P2 | "This post-hoc analysis evaluated the effect of elecoglipron vs. placebo and oral semaglutide (oSema) on serum-based noninvasive liver biomarkers over 26 weeks. Materials and In the SOLSTICE study, a 26-week, Phase 2b global trial, 406 adults with T2D managed on diet/exercise alone or monotherapy (metformin or SGLT2i) were randomized to once-daily elecoglipron (5, 15, or 25 mg without dose-escalation or three titration regimens targeting 50 and 75 mg), matching placebo, or open-label oSema titrated to 14 mg... Over 26 weeks, elecoglipron demonstrated greater reductions in non-invasive biomarkers of liver function than placebo. These findings support a favourable metabolic profile of elecoglipron, warranting further evaluation in longer-term studies."

Biomarker • Non-invasive • P2b data • Retrospective data • Diabetes • Metabolic Disorders • Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis • Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Agonism of amylin and calcitonin receptors via cagrilintide, CagriSema and zenagamtide are beneficial for bone health in a rat model of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis (EASD 2026) - "Alendronate (10 ug/kg) and sham operated animals served as a positive and healthy controls, respectively...Weight matching by energy restriction reduced bone formation, as reflected by P1NP levels, compared to vehicle and this decrease was ameliorated after treatment with cagrilintide, semaglutide, CagriSema or zenagamtide (p<0.05) suggesting an overall net- beneficial effect on bone turnover... Cagrilintide, CagriSema, and zenagamtide ameliorated bone loss and structural deterioration in OVX rats. This was not observed to a similar extent with the GLP1R agonist semaglutide, thereby, suggesting a uniquely beneficial effects of these AMYR/CTR agonists for bone health. Thus, such amylin agonist may promote a healthier weight loss in patients by mitigating bone loss."

Preclinical • Metabolic Disorders • Obesity • Osteoporosis • COL1A2

Qtx153, a selective oral non-hydroxamic hdac6 inhibitor, induces weight loss and metabolic improvement in diet-induced obese mice with a favorable safety profile (EASD 2026) - "Materials and Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 14 weeks and randomized to vehicle, semaglutide (10 nmol/kg s.c.) or QTX153 (60 or 160 mg/kg oral) once daily for 22 days (n=10/group); a chow-fed group was included (n=6). QTX153 is a selective oral HDAC6 inhibitor that produces substantial weight loss, improves glucose handling, reduces adiposity and promotes recovery from liver injury in obese mice, with a favorable and extensively supported preclinical safety profile. These findings highlight selective HDAC6 inhibition as a promising non-incretin therapeutic strategy for obesity."

Preclinical • Metabolic Disorders • Obesity • LEP

Novo Nordisk launches Wegovy weight-loss pill in Germany (Reuters) - "The prices for the Wegovy pill will vary depending on the dosage and will be comparable to those of the Wegovy pen, for which pharmacy ​retail prices currently range between €170 to €280, a Novo spokesperson told Reuters."

Launch Europe • Obesity

Novo Nordisk to seek approval soon to sell Wegovy pill in China (Reuters) - "'We will be submitting oral Wegovy...for regulatory approval very soon...I would say a few months,' Mike Doustdar, on his first visit to China since becoming Novo's CEO in August, told reporters."

China approval • China filing • Metabolic Disorders • Obesity

MHRA approves first oral semaglutide tablet for weight loss in the UK (Manufacturing Chemist) - "The regulator said in a statement that Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) tablet has been authorised — alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — to treat adults in the UK with obesity, who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or who are overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related comorbidity. The starting dose is 1.5 mg once daily, escalating to 4 mg, 9 mg and 25 mg, with a minimum duration of one month at each dose level."

MHRA approval • Obesity

Revolutionary Wegovy pill weight-loss drug set to be approved for use in Britain within days (MSN News) - “The decision, set to be made by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), means the treatment would become a licensed medicine in the UK, opening the door for millions more Britons to pay for the weight-loss medication…The drug was approved in the US in April, and a decision is set to be made for its use in Britain at a later date, making more pill options available to UK adults.”

MHRA approval • Obesity

UAE approves new once-daily pill for weight loss (Gulf News) - "Clinical data also showed the treatment's ability to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk patients, including cardiovascular death, heart attacks and strokes, the Establishment said."

Approval • Obesity

China’s drug regulator accepts Novo Nordisk’s application for oral Wegovy (Reuters)

China filing • Obesity

OASIS 5: Research Study on How Well Oral Semaglutide Works for Weight Loss in Adults With Excess Body Weight (clinicaltrials.gov) - P3 | N=450 | Recruiting | Sponsor: Novo Nordisk A/S

New P3 trial • Genetic Disorders • Obesity

Once-weekly IcoSema versus once-daily insulin glargine U100 in type 2 diabetes management (COMBINE 4): an open-label, multicentre, treat-to-target, randomised, phase 3b trial. (PubMed, Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol) - P3 | "Once-weekly IcoSema demonstrated superior HbA1c reduction and bodyweight change, with lower rates of clinically significant or severe hypoglycaemia, versus glargine U100, suggesting that IcoSema might be an effective once-weekly treatment option for insulin-naive individuals with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on oral glucose-lowering medications."

Journal • P3 data • Cognitive Disorders • Diabetes • Gastroenterology • Gastrointestinal Disorder • Metabolic Disorders • Severe Hypoglycemia • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Real-world use of oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes. (PubMed, Dan Med J) - P | "In PIONEER REAL Denmark, participants treated with oral semaglutide in a primary care setting experienced reductions in HbA1c and BW."

Journal • Real-world evidence • Diabetes • Metabolic Disorders • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Potential nephroprotective mechanisms of orforglipron, an oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist. (PubMed, Front Pharmacol) - "In its phase 3 trials orforglipron produced metabolic effects analogous to semaglutide, an agent known for its nephroprotective benefits including glomerular filtration preservation and reductions in albuminuria in non-diabetic populations. This distinction is necessary as non-peptide biased partial agonists carry mechanistic differences when compared to current peptide injectables. To illustrate its potential, we draw on current human tissue and biomarker studies alongside the randomized controlled trials of orforglipron."

Journal • Chronic Kidney Disease • Diabetic Nephropathy • Nephrology • Renal Disease

Omnicom wins U.S. Media account for Ozempic and Wegovy maker Novo Nordisk (Pharmalive) - "'As reported by Adweek, Omnicom Media has won Novo Nordisk’s $520 million U.S. media planning and buying following a competitive pitch that included incumbent WPP....Omnicom is expected to begin work in the fourth quarter of 2026.'"

Commercial • Obesity

Effect of semaglutide on kidney outcomes in the SELECT, FLOW, and SOUL trials: a prespecified pooled analysis. (PubMed, Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol) - "Data pooled from three large phase 3 trials suggest that semaglutide reduces the risk of major kidney outcomes in a broad population with cardio-kidney-metabolic disease while having a favourable risk-benefit profile. In people with cardio-kidney-metabolic disease, with and without diabetes, semaglutide (oral or injected) prevents kidney-related and cardiovascular complications and induces adverse events in line with GLP-1 receptor agonist studies, regardless of baseline characteristics within the cardio-kidney-metabolic spectrum. This was a participant-level analysis conducted in a large database of three randomised controlled trials of similar design and examining the same treatment, but there were some differences in participants' baseline characteristics, and in the dose and route of administration of treatment. This pooled analysis adds evidence for the benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists in general, and semaglutide in particular, in a broad population of people..."

Journal • Retrospective data • Atherosclerosis • Cardiovascular • Chronic Kidney Disease • Diabetes • Metabolic Disorders • Nephrology • Renal Disease • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Financial performance (Yahoo Finance) - "Q2 2026 reported sales increased by 3% at CER, with growth negatively impacted by a DKK 2.6 billion rebate provision reversal related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program in the US in Q2 2025...Q2 2026 adjusted sales increased by 7% at CER, driven by GLP-1 volume growth across geographies and favourable US rebate adjustments in the quarter...Q2 2026 reported operating profit decreased by 16% at CER, with growth negatively impacted by the US 340B rebate provision reversal in Q2 2025 as well as non-cash impairment charges of DKK 6.3 billion in Q2 2026 related to intangible pipeline assets, including monlunabant (DKK 4.0 billion)."

Sales • Obesity

Commercial highlights (Yahoo Finance) - "Wegovy pill continues its uptake in the US, and for the week ending 17 July, total weekly prescriptions exceeded 265,000. Measured by new patient starts, the Wegovy franchise remains the market leader among branded obesity medications in the US...In the coming quarters, additional Wegovy pill launches in other select markets are planned...The roll-out of Wegovy 7.2 mg single-dose pen across the EU is planned in the second half of 2026."

Commercial • Launch Europe • Launch non-US • Obesity

Crux Collaborates with Novo Nordisk to Offer Access to Wegovy and Other Obesity Management Medications (Businesswire) - "Through Crux, employers will be able to help further lower medication costs for employees by making tax-advantaged contributions via a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), which are then applied at point of sale so there are no reimbursements or claims to process. Crux supports HRA plan design and contribution application, and helps employers meet compliance requirements, including high-deductible health plan monitoring and deductible tracking."

Commercial • Obesity

Comparative Positioning of Orforglipron Among Selected GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Benchmarks: A Narrative Review. (PubMed, Cureus) - "Current evidence identifies several domains relevant to the comparative positioning of orforglipron, including its nonpeptide small-molecule structure, receptor pharmacology, once-daily oral dosing profile, and direct comparator evidence against dulaglutide and oral semaglutide. At present, orforglipron should be viewed as an oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist with emerging comparative evidence, rather than as a broadly superior replacement for existing agents. Further long-term comparative, cardiovascular, renal, safety, adherence, and real-world effectiveness data are needed to define its final place in therapy."

Journal • Review • Cardiovascular • Diabetes • Genetic Disorders • Metabolic Disorders • Obesity • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus