Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) recorded 3,071 U.S. prescriptions for the oral version of Wegovy in the first four days following its launch, according to data from IQVIA cited by analysts on Friday.
The drugmaker rolled out the pill formulation of its weight-loss therapy as it competes with Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) in the fast-growing obesity treatment market.
Barclays analysts noted that the prescription figures reflect retail pharmacy fills only and exclude orders processed through Novo Nordisk’s own NovoCare Pharmacy platform. When prescriptions from the company’s direct-to-consumer channel are included, total volumes would be higher.
Wegovy’s active ingredient is semaglutide, which Novo Nordisk previously offered solely as an injectable treatment. The new oral version gives patients an alternative dosing option for weight-loss therapy.
The early prescription data highlights intensifying competition among pharmaceutical companies seeking to capture share in the expanding market for weight-loss medications.