The UK's medicines regulator said on Monday that it is reviewing an application from Novo Nordisk for a 25-milligram oral version of its obesity treatment Wegovy, adding that a decision could be reached by the end of the year. This assessment marks a key step toward the potential launch of the drug in tablet form on the UK market.
The application was submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which did not specify a precise timeline for its review but confirmed that the application was under investigation. Novo Nordisk had previously indicated that it had submitted similar applications to the European Medicines Agency and other regulatory authorities during the second half of 2025.
This announcement comes as the Danish group launches a daily tablet version of Wegovy in the United States on Monday, banking on this new dosage form to broaden its patient base. The company hopes, in particular, to attract consumers reluctant to use injections, which have so far been the dominant method of administration for treatments in this category.
With this strategy, Novo Nordisk also seeks to regain ground against its main rival, the American company Eli Lilly, which has a strong presence in the booming market for obesity medications. Competition between the two groups has intensified in recent months, as each seeks to expand its product range and position itself in new patient segments.
Wegovy, already approved in injectable form in many countries, is part of a new generation of treatments that have profoundly changed the management of obesity and diabetes. The arrival of an oral version could further enhance its appeal by improving adherence and simplifying access to treatment.
In the UK, a favorable decision from the regulatory authority would pave the way for subsequent commercialization, subject to agreements on reimbursement and integration into healthcare pathways. Until then, the matter will be closely scrutinized by healthcare professionals and investors, in a context where demand for weight-loss medications continues to grow rapidly.
