New pill form of weight-loss drug Wegovy to be manufactured in the Triangle

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A popular weight loss drug made in the Triangle is now available in pill form. On Monday, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk announced FDA approval of a new Wegovy pill, the first GLP-1 drug approved for oral use.

"GLP-1 drugs have really become a revolutionary tool for many of the clinicians who treat patients with obesity," said Dr. Sarah Ro, a medical director and weight management expert with UNC Health.

Ro said the availability of the popular weight loss drug in pill form is another breakthrough in combating weight-related illness.

"Some patients just can't tolerate the injections because of injection site local reactions. So having pill form is a wonderful option," Ro said.

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The new pill will be made start-to-finish in the Triangle, starting at Novo Nordisk's facility in Clayton before the drug is formed into pills and packaged at its site in Research Triangle Park.

"Simply put, we have the things, the ingredients that companies like Novo need to be successful in delivering their therapies and their innovations going forward," said Joe Stallings, Economic Development Director for the town of Clayton.

The pharmaceutical company employs roughly 2,000 people in North Carolina, making diabetes and weight-related drugs. Stallings said this latest announcement is further proof that its investment in North Carolina is paying off.

"It says that the town of Clayton and the RTP region in particular is a fantastic epicenter for pharmaceutical manufacturing in the entire world," Stallings said.

The new Wegovy pill is available via prescription at roughly 70,000 pharmacy locations nationwide.

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