Novo Nordisk’s oral version of Wegovy may be the fastest drug launch in U.S. history. In its third week on the market, the once-daily GLP-1 recorded 26,100 prescriptions, a 42% increase week over week. Early prescription volume has also outpaced other recent GLP-1 launches, including injectable competitors.
More than 170,000 people were taking the pill as of Jan. 23, with about 50,000 prescriptions filled weekly. Roughly 90% of prescriptions were paid out of pocket, with most patients starting on the $149 monthly starter dose, according to a Feb. 4 report from NBC News.
Novo Nordisk updated financial results and product performance in its annual report, released Feb. 5. Here are seven things to know:
1. GLP-1 revenue rose 56% to $21.9 billion
Global GLP-1 sales totaled more than $21 billion in 2025, driven by strong demand for obesity and diabetes treatments. GLP-1s accounted for the majority of Novo Nordisk’s total sales growth.
2. U.S. sales surged to $16.4 billion
U.S. GLP-1 revenue rose 65% year over year, reflecting rapid adoption of Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus across both cash-pay and insured markets. The U.S. remains Novo’s largest and fastest-growing commercial market.
3. Wegovy generated $7.1 billion in sales
The once-weekly injectable Wegovy generated $7.1 billion in sales globally in 2025. While Novo Nordisk did not break out revenue for the oral version, early launch data suggests it could become a significant contributor in 2026.
4. Ozempic and Rybelsus continued to grow
Ozempic sales reached about $15.4 billion in 2025, up 34% from 2024. Rybelsus, Novo Nordisk’s oral GLP-1 for Type 2 diabetes, generated $1.9 billion, representing 27% growth. Together, the products strengthened the company’s presence across injectable and oral formats.
5. More than 25 million patients were treated
Novo Nordisk reported that more than 25 million people globally have now been treated with one of its GLP-1 products, signaling broad adoption across multiple therapeutic areas.
6. $4.7 billion invested in supply capacity
In 2025, the company invested about $4.7 billion to expand global manufacturing and fulfillment capacity to support continued growth and reduce supply constraints across its obesity and diabetes portfolio.
7. Pill launch is driving cash-pay acceleration
Novo Nordisk said it is “confident” in its ability to meet demand for the oral version of Wegovy, which is available through its direct-to-consumer platform and Amazon Pharmacy. Early uptake has been dominated by self-pay patients, reshaping access outside traditional insurance channels.
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