Novo Nordisk announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a label update for Rybelsus® (semaglutide) tablets 7 mg or 14 mg, allowing use as a first-line treatment option for adults with type 2 diabetes who have not previously taken a diabetes treatment. This update removes a previous limitation of use that stated the medication should not be used as the initial therapy for treating patients with type 2 diabetes. Initially approved by the FDA in 2019, Rybelsus® is the first and only GLP-1 analog in pill form and is indicated, along with diet and exercise, to improve glycemic control for adults with type 2 diabetes.

Rybelsus® works differently than other diabetes pills to lower blood sugar in three ways: by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas when blood sugar is high, decreasing the release of sugar from the liver, and slowing the process of food leaving the stomach after eating.1,2 Rybelsus® comprises a unique co-formulation of semaglutide and an absorption enhancer called SNAC (sodium N-(8-[2-hydroxybenzoyl] amino) caprylate), which facilitates absorption of semaglutide in the stomach, making it possible to provide semaglutide as a pill. Novo Nordisk works with health insurance providers to ensure broad insurance coverage and patient access to Rybelsus®. Eligible, commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10 for a one- to three-month prescription of this medicine.