In a new development, Novo Nordisk revealed that it has future plans to launch its GLP-1 receptor Wegovy in vial form, according to Reuters.¹

As it stands, the manufacturer offers the weight loss drug in injectable and oral form, with the latter be approved by the FDA late last year in a once-daily oral semaglutide 25 mg form. This new version of Wegovy in pill form is the first ever GLP-1 therapy that’s been approved for weight management. It also represents the third formulation of Wegovy.

Originally, the drug was approved in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one related condition, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, alongside diet and exercise. In 2024, its label was further expanded to include adults with cardiovascular disease.

"We are exploring various device presentations for Wegovy, including vials - some are launching this year, others are coming in the future," the company noted in the Reuters report.

Why are GLP-1 drug formats shifting toward vials and new presentations?

It’s clear that the GLP-1 market is rapidly developing. In 2024, Eli Lilly began releasing single-dose vials in the 2.5 mg and 5 mg varieties.² The 7.5 mg and 10 mg vials were then added in 2025.³

What do recent studies show about GLP-1 anti-inflammatory effects?

The benefits of these receptor agonists have also been continuing to be the subject of various clinical trials, findings published in PeerJ, which showed that they significantly lower chronic inflammation markers like CRP and TNF-alpha.⁴ The benefit is a dual-threat mechanism: they reduce inflammation indirectly through weight loss and directly by binding to receptors on immune cells. This opens the door for GLP-1s to be used as long-term tools for organ protection and cardiovascular health.

The study indicated that the anti-inflammatory benefits of these medications vary based on the specific drug selected and how long patients stay on therapy, with the strongest improvements seen among those treated for at least 36 weeks. Subgroup analyses also suggest that long-acting agents, such as dulaglutide, may drive greater reductions in inflammatory markers than short-acting options, likely because they provide more sustained receptor activation.

How strong is the broader evidence for GLP-1 inflammation reduction?

There was also a larger meta-analysis⁴ featuring more than 6,000 patients, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology. It reinforces and broadens PeerJ’s findings, showing that GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduce CRP levels versus both placebo and other oral diabetes therapies. While effects on IL-6 have been mixed across studies, the reliably observed decreases in CRP and TNF-α point to a well-defined anti-inflammatory profile for this class of drugs.

How are retailers expanding GLP-1 affordability programs?

Although critics may argue that a challenge with GLP-1s has been their affordability, retailers are doing their part to help customers. Meijer—located in the Midwest—is now accepting savings programs available with NovoCare.

The retailer’s pharmacy locations will be providing these drugs at discounted out-of-pocket prices. Patients who are new to these coupon programs can access the two lowest-dose version of Wegovy or Ozempic injection pens for $199 per month during their first two months, as long as the prescriptions are filled by March 31, 2026.

Following this promotional period, a majority of dose levels jump to $349 per month, while the highest Ozempic dose stands at $499 per month. The oral version of Wegovy is also an option—per NovoCare, patients who qualify will be able to pay $149 per month, with insurance co-pays as low as $25. All that customers would need to do is present a coupon from NovoCare when filling their Rx. No insurance is required to do so.

References

1. Sneha SK. Novo Nordisk plans to launch Wegovy vials. Reuters. Published February 11, 2026. Accessed February 13, 2026. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/novo-nordisk-plans-launch-wegovy-vials-2026-02-11/

2. Lilly releases Zepbound (Tirzepatide) single-dose vials, expanding supply and access for adults living with obesity. Eli Lilly and Company. Published August 27, 2024. Accessed February 13, 2026. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-releases-zepboundr-tirzepatide-single-dose-vials-expanding

3. Lilly launches additional Zepbound vial doses and offers new savings for self-pay patients. Eli Lilly and Company. Published February 25, 2025. Accessed February 13, 2026. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-launches-additional-zepbound-vial-doses-and-offers-new

4. Gallagher A. GLP-1 receptor agonists show potential as tools against chronic inflammation in diabetes. Drug Topics. Published February 11, 2026. Accessed February 13, 2026. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/glp-1-receptor-agonists-show-potential-as-tools-against-chronic-inflammation-in-diabetes