Novo plans to seek U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the high-dose pill later this year, but timing of a market launch is "to be determined," according to Mico Guevarra, medical director at Novo Nordisk.
Novo Nordisk already markets an oral semaglutide, under the brand name Rybelsus, for treatment of type 2 diabetes, but its highest dose is 14mg.
Oral semaglutide, according to the FDA label, needs to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or using any other oral medication - you are allowed only 4 ounces of plain water.
If you eat too soon, the pill is less effective, but if you wait longer than 30 minutes its absorption may be enhanced.
read moreNovo Nordisk said most patients in its obesity trial reported gastrointestinal side effects from oral semaglutide, including mostly mild-to-moderate nausea, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting.
Persons:
semaglutide, Mico, Guevarra, Eli Lilly, LLY.N, Deena Beasley, Diane Craft
Organizations:
DIEGO, Nordisk, Food, Drug, Novo Nordisk, American Diabetes Association, FDA, Thomson
Locations:
Danish