Diabetes Australia welcomes the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) recent approval of a new oral formulation of Wegovy (semaglutide) as a step forward in the treatment of obesity and related chronic conditions. 

The oral formulation – in pill or tablet form – is an alternative delivery form to current products for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction, which rely on self-administered injections.  

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the TGA approval would help many in the community who were hesitant about injections and could help improve accessibility to a medicine class emerging as an important tool in managing a range of chronic health conditions.  

“GLP-1 medicines have already transformed treatment options for many people living with type 2 diabetes, and it’s encouraging to see new formulations becoming available,” Ms Cain said. 

“The development of an oral option for obesity may help remove some of the practical barriers associated with injectable treatments and gives people living with chronic conditions and their healthcare professionals another treatment option to consider. 

“We know that both type 2 diabetes and obesity are complex, chronic health conditions. It is not simply about willpower or individual choices, and people deserve access to evidence-based treatment and support without stigma.  

“However, TGA approval conditions continue to impose restrictions on prescribing to limit access to established weight-related conditions or established cardiovascular disease.”   

Ms Cain said the announcement highlighted the importance of equitable access and the quality use of emerging medicines. 

“Innovation is important, but so is equitable access. A treatment can only improve health outcomes if the people who stand to benefit can actually access it,” Ms Cain said. 

“TGA approval is an important regulatory milestone, but it does not automatically mean that a medicine is immediately available or affordable for every Australian who may benefit. As new treatments emerge, we need to ensure decisions about access are guided by clinical evidence, rather than a person’s capacity to pay. 

“As new therapies become available, we also need to consider comprehensive models of care, including wrap-around support for things like nutrition, physical activity, psychological support, and long-term follow-up, and how we support quality use of medicines.” 

The new tablet contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in injectable Wegovy, and unlike the current once-weekly injections, is taken daily and has specific conditions when being taken.  

TGA approval does not mean the tablet is immediately available in pharmacies, with further work needed on product and packaging, with Australian availability and price to be confirmed 

Diabetes Australia encourages people interested in GLP-1 based medicines to speak with their GP, endocrinologist, pharmacist or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional about the benefits, risks and suitability of treatment for their individual circumstance.