The European Medicines Agency has recommended approval of Novo Nordisk's oral version of Wegovy, marking what would be Europe's first oral weight-loss medication if final approval is granted.

The regulatory backing covers a higher-dose formulation of semaglutide delivered in a single-dose pen format. Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, has gained significant attention for its weight-loss effects.

The oral formulation represents a potential advancement over current injection-based treatments, offering patients an alternative delivery method for the medication. Semaglutide works by mimicking hormones that regulate blood sugar and slow gastric emptying, leading to reduced appetite and food intake.

The European Commission will make the final decision on market authorization following the EMA's positive recommendation. If approved, the oral version would join the existing injectable formulation of Wegovy already available in European markets.