In the fierce competition of the weight-loss drug market, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have always been closely matched. Although Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, since its FDA approval in 2023, has gradually captured market share from Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy due to its superior efficacy and more stable supply, the battle is far from over. A new contest is quietly unfolding in another arena—the race to develop oral weight-loss drugs—and Novo Nordisk may be approaching a critical moment for a turnaround.
Compared to Wegovy and Zepbound, which require subcutaneous injection, the oral formulation offers significant convenience advantages, enhancing the patient experience and reducing the need for specialized injection procedures. Novo Nordisk’s oral version of Wegovy has demonstrated outstanding performance in Phase III clinical trials, achieving a weight loss rate of 15.1%, surpassing the 12.4% achieved by Eli Lilly’s counterpart candidate, orforglipron, in the same stage of testing. This data not only highlights its therapeutic potential but also secures an important leading advantage for Novo Nordisk.
The company has already submitted an application for the oral Wegovy to the FDA, with approval results expected in the fourth quarter of 2025. If approved, this drug could become the first truly competitive oral weight-loss medication on the market, not only broadening treatment options but also potentially reshaping the competitive landscape between Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Supply issues previously hindered Wegovy’s market expansion, and the introduction of an oral formulation would effectively alleviate this bottleneck, further solidifying its market position.
Although Eli Lilly has been leading the way with Zepbound, Novo Nordisk’s breakthrough in the oral formulation field demonstrates strong potential for a rebound. The future of the weight-loss drug market will no longer depend solely on efficacy; factors such as administration methods, accessibility, and patient compliance will also become critical to success. Whether oral Wegovy can become Novo Nordisk’s weapon to turn the tide remains highly anticipated.
