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The GLP-1 landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Along with the recent FDA approval of Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy® oral pill—which we addressed in a separate update last week—additional GLP-1 therapy breakthroughs are delivering promising weight loss results, expanding long-term maintenance use, and broadening the population eligible for treatment. While the clinical potential is compelling, the financial implications for plan sponsors are significant, and underscore why proactive benefit strategy remains critical for employers and health plans.

Next-Generation Weight Loss Drug Developments

Eli Lilly’s latest results for retatrutide illustrate the rapid evolution of weight loss drugs. The triple-agonist therapy, which activates 3 receptors in the body (GLP-1, GIP, and Glucagon) to more effectively manage blood sugar and weight, delivered nearly 29% average weight loss after 68 weeks in patients with obesity and knee osteoarthritis, along with meaningful pain reduction.¹ In contrast, existing weight loss injection therapies—including Saxenda®, Wegovy®, and Zepbound®—have demonstrated approximately 10% to 21% total weight loss over a similar timeframe (roughly 54 to 72 weeks).

Concurrently, recent trials have indicated that Eli Lilly is positioning its oral GLP-1 candidate, orforglipron, as a maintenance therapy following initial weight loss. While Novo Nordisk has taken an early lead with FDA approval of the Wegovy® oral pill, Lilly’s oral GLP-1 has also been awarded a national priority review voucher by the FDA², which could accelerate regulatory timelines. Together, these developments highlight how next-generation GLP-1 drugs may impact both utilization patterns and pharmacy spend, particularly for long-term maintenance treatment.

Looking further ahead, investments in companies like Prolynx points to a new wave of long-acting obesity treatments designed for monthly or quarterly dosing. These innovations would aim to improve adherence and persistence by addressing real-world limitations of today’s weekly GLP-1 regimens, further expanding utilization.³

Benecard’s Perspective

At Benecard Services, we see this moment as an opportunity for smarter benefit design.  Rather than blanket exclusions, we help clients implement clinically informed strategies that balance patient access with long-term cost sustainability. This includes defined treatment parameters, centralized management to enhance oversight, proactive planning for emerging therapies, and alignment with manufacturer programs where appropriate.

For more details regarding Benecard’s comprehensive GLP-1 strategy, please contact your Benecard Client Relations Manager, Sales representative, or visit our Rx Insights blog to view our article on strategic GLP-1 drug management.

Sources:

1. Lilly’s three-pronged drug puts obesity field ‘on notice’ | BioPharma Dive
2. Lilly obesity pill, headed for quick FDA review, hits mark in ‘maintenance’ trial | BioPharma Dive
3. Prolynx banks $70M for longer-lasting obesity drugs | BioPharma Dive

The GLP-1 landscape continues to move quickly. On December 22nd, Novo Nordisk announced FDA approval of the Wegovy® pill which will be commercialized in the U.S. as of early January 2026¹. While additional details are still emerging, this approval itself represents a meaningful shift in how weight loss therapies may be accessed and utilized moving forward.

What’s Different About an Oral GLP-1 Therapy

Unlike injectable GLP-1 therapies, the Wegovy® pill is taken once daily. In clinical trials, the oral formulation demonstrated meaningful and comparable weight loss to the Wegovy shot, though outcomes were generally slightly lower than injectable GLP-1s². This difference is expected, as oral medications are partially broken down during digestion, requiring higher daily doses compared to weekly injections.

Importantly, Novo Nordisk is positioning the Wegovy® pill not just for initial weight reduction, but as a long-term maintenance therapy. This emphasis on maintenance may influence prescribing patterns, adherence expectations, and duration of therapy—all key considerations for plan sponsors.

Why This Matters for Plan Sponsors

While pricing details are still emerging, this approval validates that GLP-1 innovation is shifting from injectables to more versatile, patient-centric formats. The upcoming Wegovy® pill’s commercial launch reinforces the potential for broader utilization, longer treatment durations tied to maintenance therapy, and ongoing needs for clinical oversight and formulary alignment.

At Benecard Services, we view this approval as further confirmation that benefit strategies must evolve alongside rapid GLP-1 breakthroughs. As therapies expand in form and function—from triple-agonists to long-acting formulations and now oral agents—thoughtful benefit design and proactive planning are critical.

We are actively monitoring ongoing developments and will share deeper analysis and strategic guidance in the weeks ahead. For now, this approval serves as a timely reminder: the next phase of GLP-1 therapy is here, and preparation matters.

Sources:

1. Press Release: Novo Nordisk A/S: Wegovy® pill approved in the US as first oral GLP-1 for weight management
2. With FDA approval of Wegovy pill, new era of oral GLP-1 weight loss drugs begins.

Cigna plans to shift to a rebate-free model for its commercial pharmacy benefit offerings starting in 2027 that applies discounts upfront at the point of sale. Understanding the potential trade-offs will be key as employers evaluate future benefit strategies.