Novo Nordisk launches Wegovy oral weight‑loss pill in the UAE

Novo Nordisk has received approval to market the oral version of its semaglutide‑based weight‑loss drug Wegovy in the United Arab Emirates, becoming the first country outside the United States to offer the pill. The medication is indicated for adults with obesity or overweight plus related health issues and is also approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events.

Clinical data from the OASIS 4 trial showed an average 17 percent weight reduction with the 25 mg daily dose, with about one‑third of participants losing 20 percent or more. The launch aims to improve adherence by providing a needle‑free option, addressing the UAE’s high obesity prevalence – roughly 28 percent of adults are classified as severely obese. Health officials note the need to balance the new therapeutic option with concerns over long‑term affordability and equitable access.