Weight Loss Pill 'Wegovy' Launches in Israel, Offering Alternative to Injections
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
The weight loss pill Wegovy has launched in Israel, providing an alternative to its injectable form. Clinical trials show an average weight loss of 16.6% over 64 weeks, with over a third of patients losing at least 20% of their body weight. The daily pill, available in four dosages, is priced between 760 and 1,260 shekels privately and is not yet subsidized by health insurance.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The weight loss pill Wegovy is now available in Israel, offering an alternative to injections.
- Clinical trials show an average weight loss of 16.6% for patients taking Wegovy pills.
- Over a third of Wegovy pill participants lost at least 20% of their body weight.
- The private market price for Wegovy pills ranges from 760 to 1,260 shekels.
- Wegovy pills are currently not subsidized by Israeli health insurance and are sold privately.
A new oral medication for weight loss, Wegovy, has been introduced in Israel, following the widespread adoption of its injectable form. This pill offers a more convenient administration method for individuals who prefer to avoid injections, while clinical studies indicate impressive results comparable to the advanced injectable versions.
A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine involved 307 adults with obesity or overweight conditions accompanied by comorbidities, excluding diabetes. Over 64 weeks, the efficacy of the 25-milligram pill, combined with lifestyle changes, was evaluated. Participants who completed the treatment experienced an average weight loss of 16.6% of their body weight, significantly higher than the 2.7% observed in the placebo group. More than a third of patients achieved a weight reduction of at least 20%.
Beyond weight loss, the treatment also showed improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and enhanced ability to perform daily activities. The Wegovy pill is available in four dosages: 1.5, 4, 9, and 25 milligrams. The anticipated price in the private market ranges from 760 to 1,260 shekels, depending on the dosage.
This new oral treatment is suitable for patients who prefer pills over injections or for those already using the injectable form seeking a different delivery method. Currently, the pills are not subsidized by supplementary health insurance from the HMOs and are exclusively available at private pharmacies. This launch aligns with a global trend towards more accessible and diverse obesity treatments, though Wegovy remains a prescription medication requiring medical consultation and monitoring.
