New Ozempic pill may offer more affordable alternative to injectables

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics a hormone to increase insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite. The medication has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for helping with long-term weight management and treating type 2 diabetes .

For many people, semaglutide is better known as the injectable drug Ozempic . However, many may not be aware that semaglutide has been available in oral form since it was approved by the FDA in 2019 .

After previously announcing a rebrand and reformulation to Rybelsus in February 2026 to make the treatment more easily recognizable and bioavailable, Novo Nordisk announced that the “ Ozempic pill ” will be available for adults with type 2 diabetes in the United States starting Monday, May 4, 2026. Highlighting that the oral pill can help improve blood glucose control alongside diet and exercise, while also reducing major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes at increased risk, the pharmaceutical company adds that the pill will be available through 70,000+ U.S.

pharmacies nationwide and select telehealth providers.