Therapeutic Goods Administration Approves Oral Weight-Loss Medication in Australia

Australian health regulators have approved an oral tablet version of the weight-loss medication Wegovy for eligible patients. The Therapeutic Goods Administration registered the oral treatment in strengths of 1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg, with indications matching those of the existing injectable formulation.

Manufacturer Novo Nordisk stated that it is working to introduce the new treatment option to eligible Australians later in the year and committed to sharing future updates. The company submitted its application to sell the GLP-1 pills earlier in the year following prior approvals granted in the United States and the United Kingdom. At present, medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are distributed in Australia solely as weekly injections.

Holistica Health general practitioner Wes Abujalala explained that the oral medication functions via the same hormone principles as current injectable treatments. According to Dr Abujalala, the medicine operates by slowing stomach emptying, reducing appetite, and signaling fullness to the brain.

The oral format utilizes an absorption enhancer named SNAC, which protects the active ingredient to allow a small quantity to cross the stomach lining. Dr Abujalala noted that patients must take the pill once daily and adhere strictly to a precise routine because stomach acid degrades the majority of the dose, meaning only a fraction of each tablet is ultimately absorbed.