Wegovy® pill prescriptions surpass 3 million, 1 filled roughly every 5 seconds, bringing GLP-1 therapy to people with obesity previously untreated, while Novo Nordisk unveils new data at ADA 2026
Three million prescriptions for Wegovy ® (semaglutide) tablets have been filled since its launch on January 5, 2026, marking it as one of the strongest pharmaceutical launches in the United States by volume. This milestone represents approximately one prescription being filled every five seconds and indicates a significant uptake since the medication became available. Wegovy ® pill reached one million prescriptions in just 12 weeks and added two million more prescriptions in the subsequent 10 weeks. Notably, more than 80% of these prescriptions are for individuals new to GLP-1 therapy, signaling an expansion in the obesity treatment market.
Jamey Millar, executive vice president of US Operations at Novo Nordisk, emphasized the distinct advantages of Wegovy ® for adults with obesity, noting that it aids in significant weight loss and is FDA-approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with known heart disease. Millar stated that the company is committed to addressing the global public health challenge of obesity and is engaging with patients and healthcare professionals at the American Diabetes Association's 2026 Scientific Sessions to share data and insights.
The Wegovy ® pill has outpaced all other obesity medications in terms of new prescriptions this year. Additionally, the recently launched Wegovy ® HD (semaglutide) injection has also seen strong initial uptake. Novo Nordisk is prioritizing the expansion of affordable access to its medications, with commercial insurance holders able to access Wegovy ® for as little as $25 per month through savings programs. The new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge will allow eligible beneficiaries to access Wegovy ® for a monthly copay of $50, starting July 1, 2026.
As part of its ongoing work in obesity treatment, Novo Nordisk is set to present various clinical data at the American Diabetes Association's 2026 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans. The company is also preparing to launch Wegovy ® outside of the United States later in 2026, with an initial rollout in the United Arab Emirates already approved.
Novo Nordisk plans to hold an investor event on June 7, 2026, at 6:30 pm CDT, to discuss the data presented at ADA 2026 and the commercial milestone for Wegovy ® pill. The event will be available via live webcast on the company's investor website.