Medsafe Considers First Oral Weight-Loss Drug Application in New Zealand
A daily weight-loss pill could soon arrive in New Zealand after Medsafe confirmed it is considering its first application for an oral GLP-1 drug, 1News reported. The regulatory movement follows the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approving an oral version of Wegovy in Australia, where patients are expected to access the daily medication by the end of the year.
Medsafe stated that the initial assessment for medicines in this category generally takes around 75 working days, though final approval timelines depend on how quickly the pharmaceutical company responds to requests for additional information.
Regulatory Approvals Across Tasman Borders
While Australian regulators cleared the Wegovy pill made by Novo Nordisk, the drug still faces hurdles regarding public funding and local pricing structures. In Australia, patients require a doctor’s prescription, with approvals covering individuals with obesity as well as those needing to reduce cardiovascular risks. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia currently subsidises weight-loss drugs exclusively for people with type 2 diabetes.
In Europe, Spain recently introduced the same daily tablet to pharmacies at a cost of €236 for a 30-day supply, with the public health system providing no state assistance, Euro Weekly News reported.
Medical Perspectives on Dosing and Equity
The oral tablet contains 25 milligrams of semaglutide to achieve an effect comparable to a 2.4-milligram weekly injection, because the body absorbs active ingredients less efficiently through oral consumption. Patients must take the tablet upon waking on an empty stomach after fasting for at least eight hours, and then wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or consuming other medications.
Dr Prabani Wood, medical director, told 1News: “So, people that need help should be able to access a treatment that works.” She added: “I think the big missing factor here in this discussion is, yes, we’ve got a treatment for something, but also I would love for our policymakers to look at what causes obesity in the first place.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the oral Wegovy tablet differ from the weekly injection?
The tablet is taken daily rather than weekly, and each pill contains a higher dose of semaglutide—up to 25 milligrams—to compensate for lower absorption rates in the digestive tract. Unlike the injectable version, the pills do not require refrigeration.
Is the new weight-loss pill publicly funded in New Zealand or Australia?
Australia does not currently subsidise the treatment through public health schemes for general weight loss. Patients must pay private costs, though Australian regulators have cleared the drug for individuals with obesity and specific cardiovascular risks.
What are the primary side effects and usage requirements associated with the pill?
Patients must take the medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach after fasting for eight hours, waiting 30 minutes before consuming food or beverages. Reported side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, alongside potential risks flagged by regulators regarding mood changes and rare tumor developments in animal studies.
Worth a look