Adults in the UAE managing obesity now have access to a tablet form of one of the world’s most widely used weight-loss medications. The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) announced on Monday that it had cleared Wegovy (semaglutide) as a once-daily oral treatment for long-term weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with related medical conditions.
The decision makes the UAE only the second country worldwide to authorise the oral formulation. An injectable version of the same medication carrying comparable benefits had already received the green light in the country.
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, the drug falls within the GLP-1 receptor agonist category and is designed to aid both weight loss and the maintenance of those results, the EDE explained. The treatment is intended to work in tandem with a calorie-controlled diet and greater physical activity rather than on its own.
Beyond its effect on weight, clinical evidence pointed to benefits for patients facing elevated cardiovascular risk. According to the EDE, the studies showed reductions in serious heart-related events such as cardiovascular death, heart attacks and strokes among high-risk groups.
Dr Fatma Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, framed the clearance as part of a broader regulatory philosophy. “Approving the oral formulation of Wegovy (semaglutide) reaffirms the establishment’s commitment to promoting the pharmaceutical ecosystem and reinforcing a proactive approach to addressing obesity and overweight challenges, which are among the leading factors associated with chronic diseases, while also supporting the evaluation and approval of innovative therapies in line with internationally recognized scientific standards,” she said.
She also tied the move to patient access, noting: “This move reflects the UAE’s keenness to adopt the latest pharmaceutical innovations and develop a flexible regulatory environment that ensures patient access to these treatments in accordance with the highest standards, further strengthening treatment outcomes and the overall quality of care.”
The EDE said its assessment rested on clinical trial findings that confirmed the drug’s effectiveness in supporting weight reduction and sustained weight maintenance alongside healthy habits, as well as its protective role against major cardiovascular events in vulnerable patients.
For Novo Nordisk, the approval reinforces a working relationship with UAE regulators. Venkat Kalyan, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Gulf, said: “Our collaboration with the Emirates Drug Establishment is a testament to our shared commitment to providing innovative and trusted treatment solutions.” He pointed to semaglutide’s established safety record and the practical advantages of a daily pill, which he said makes it easier for patients to stay on their treatment.
The EDE positioned the authorisation as reinforcing its wider push to raise public awareness about tackling obesity early and limiting the health complications that often accompany it.
