Novo to launch Ozempic pill for diabetes in second quarter of 2026

Novo Nordisk said on Wednesday it will launch some doses of its oral semaglutide for diabetes under the brand name Ozempic pill in the second quarter of this year.

The company said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Ozempic tablets in 1.5 milligram, 4 milligram, and 9 milligram doses.

The new Ozempic name is intended to help patients and health care professionals more easily recognize the available treatment options for type 2 diabetes, the company said.

“Because Ozempic is so well known, people often ask whether there’s an oral option for people with type 2 diabetes, without realizing Rybelsus has been available since 2019,” said Ed Cinca, senior vice president of marketing & patient solutions at Novo Nordisk.

Semaglutide tablets at 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg doses have been available under the brand name Rybelsus for diabetes.

The pill is also approved to reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular conditions in adults with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for these events.

The FDA had approved the new doses based on a bioequivalence study and the clinical trial data for Rybelsus, Novo said.

The Danish drugmaker expects a decision from the health regulator on a 25 mg dose of Ozempic tablets by the end of 2026.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)