Wegovy Weight-Loss Pill Approved in UAE, Expanding Access to Popular Obesity Treatment
The United Arab Emirates has approved an oral version of Wegovy, the widely used weight-loss medication that has gained significant popularity in the United States.
Novo Nordisk previously sold Wegovy, a weekly weight-loss injection, in the United Arab Emirates.
Compared to injectable forms of semaglutide, the recently approved daily pill provides patients with a more convenient option and does not require refrigerated storage.
The permission comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made a similar ruling earlier this year. UAE health regulators approved the medicine for adults with obesity or weight-related health conditions.
UAE health officials positioned the approval as part of the country’s broader strategy to tackle rising obesity rates and expand access to innovative treatments. Nearly 30% of the UAE population lives with obesity, a condition linked to a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer
Although UAE authorities have not yet announced the price of oral Wegovy, distributors delivered the first shipments this week, and pharmacies will soon stock the medication. Industry watchers predict that pricing will be similar to those of Foundayo, another oral weight-loss drug that currently costs between $210 and $435 a month, depending on dose.
Data from clinical trials were crucial in obtaining regulatory approval. Research revealed that when paired with healthy lifestyle modifications, patients taking the maximum 25 mg dose of oral Wegovy lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight after 64 weeks. In contrast, throughout the course of 72 weeks, patients on the maximum dosage of Foundayo lost an average of 11.1% of their body weight.
Newer obesity drugs have gained popularity among medical professionals due to their potential advantages beyond weight loss. Semaglutide-based therapies may improve overall quality of life and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in some patients, according to research.
Novo Nordisk Gulf General Manager Venkat Kalyan said healthcare providers widely trust semaglutide because it has demonstrated a strong safety profile. He said the once-daily pill may help improve treatment adherence by making the medication easier to use.
The business also declared its intention to establish a regional distribution center in order to increase its footprint in the United Arab Emirates. The plant will be one of just three global distribution centers for Novo Nordisk goods. The UAE’s sophisticated logistics infrastructure and investment climate were major factors in the company’s decision to locate there.
The launch mirrors strong demand seen in the United States. During the first week after oral Wegovy became available in January, healthcare providers wrote approximately 18,000 prescriptions, with millions more issued in the following months. In the U.S., patients with insurance may pay as little as about $25 per month, while uninsured patients can face costs ranging from roughly $149 to $400 depending on dosage.
According to experts, drugs like Wegovy are revolutionizing the treatment of obesity. Leading obesity researcher Arya Sharma has called these medications “transformative” since they can help patients lose a large amount of weight while also promoting healthier lifestyles, increasing physical activity, improving sleep quality, and making long-lasting behavioral changes.
