Novo Nordisk says GLP-1 pill expands access to weight-loss drugs

Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar said the newly launched GLP-1 pill will broaden access by removing barriers tied to injections; the company launched the first FDA‑approved oral GLP‑1 in the U.S. last week.

Novo Nordisk chief executive Mike Doustdar said an oral form of the company's GLP-1 weight-loss drug will expand who uses the medicine. He made the remarks in a CNBC interview after the company launched the pill in the U.S. last week. Doustdar cited needle phobia and a societal taboo around injectables as barriers. He also mentioned refrigeration needs in supply chains as a limitation for injectable forms. Key points: - Mike Doustdar said the pill can expand the market by removing the injection "taboo" and needle phobia. - He reported that pill and injectable GLP-1s have the same level of efficacy, according to the interview. - Novo Nordisk launched the first FDA-approved GLP-1 pill in the U.S. last week. - Doustdar said about 100 million people in the U.S. are obese and around 15 million use GLP-1 drugs. - He said the initial pill dose starts at $149 and can cost about $25 with insurance, and he criticized compounded GLP-1 products as not reviewed by the FDA. Summary: Company officials say the oral GLP-1 could lower barriers related to injections, refrigeration and cost, which may increase the number of people using these medications. How widely the pill will be adopted and its longer-term effects on access and supply are undetermined at this time.