Wegovy Oral Weight-Loss Medication Launches in German Pharmacies on September 1st

By&nbspLaura Fleischmann

Published on 02/09/2026 – 10:53 GMT+2•Updated  11:16

Starting September 1, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy weight-loss medication will be available in German pharmacies. Approved by the European Union in July, Germany becomes the first country to offer the oral formulation. Novo Nordisk described the authorization as a “milestone” in obesity treatment.

The prescription-only medication serves as an alternative to the injectable Wegovy already on the market, utilizing the same active ingredient: semaglutide. This compound mimics a gut hormone to induce satiety. According to a Novo Nordisk spokesperson, the retail price is expected to range from €170 to €280 monthly. While the injectable version is approved for individuals aged 12 and older, the tablet form is authorized solely for adults.

In the OASIS-4 study, which formed the basis for EU approval, 205 adults took the tablet while 102 received a placebo. Participants using semaglutide achieved an average weight reduction of 13.6%. The injectable version, tested over 72 weeks (eight months longer), resulted in an 18% loss on average. However, the extended treatment duration may partially explain the disparity in outcomes.

Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea, with rare instances of pancreatitis reported. Both formulations require lifestyle modifications alongside medication. “Whether injection or tablet: medicines against obesity are not miracle cures but components of therapy for a chronic disease,” stated Julia Szendrödi, president of the German Diabetes Association. “These treatments must be part of a broader management strategy, while also addressing nutrition education and restrictive policies on unhealthy food marketing to children,” she added.

Global Market for Weight-Loss Medications

The global obesity medication market is fiercely contested, with analysts projecting it could reach $100 billion annually by 2030. Recent developments include Eli Lilly’s Foundayo, set to launch in the UK by late August. These medications are primarily indicated for individuals with obesity (BMI ≥30) or those with obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea (BMI ≥27).

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