Novo Nordisk's pill version of its obesity medication Wegovy has attracted a waiting list of 10,000 people in the United Kingdom, according to reports from multiple sources.

Wegovy, the brand name for semaglutide, is part of a new class of weight-loss drugs that have gained significant attention for their effectiveness in treating obesity. The medication was originally developed as an injectable treatment.

The development comes as pharmaceutical companies are competing intensively in the rapidly growing obesity drug market. Eli Lilly has maintained a leading position in this sector as multiple rivals enter the space, seeking to capture market share in what analysts view as a potentially lucrative therapeutic area.

The high demand for the pill version of Wegovy in the UK reflects broader global interest in obesity treatments, as healthcare systems and patients seek effective options for weight management. The substantial waiting list suggests strong patient interest in oral formulations as an alternative to injectable versions of the medication.

The obesity drug market has become increasingly competitive as pharmaceutical companies recognize the commercial potential of effective weight-loss treatments amid rising global obesity rates.