New Zealand's medical regulator, Medsafe, is evaluating its very first application for an oral GLP-1 weight-loss medication following a recent approval in Australia.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia recently approved an oral tablet version of Wegovy, with patients across the Tasman expected to gain access by the end of the year. Unlike the current weekly injections, the new medication is taken as a daily pill.
Medsafe confirmed it is reviewing an application for the Wegovy oral tablets submitted via one of its reliance pathways. This mechanism allows the regulator to utilize trusted overseas findings to accelerate target timeframes, aiming for an initial assessment in about 75 working days while ensuring international standards for safety, quality, and efficacy are met.
Medical professionals and advocates emphasize that while the daily tablet provides an alternative for patients who dislike injections, no decisions have been made regarding public funding or broader New Zealand access. Experts note that affordability and equitable access remain crucial concerns if the treatment becomes locally available.
