Novo Nordisk rolls out Wegovy pill in the UAE — its first market outside the U.S.

Novo Nordisk is launching its weight loss pill Wegovy in the United Arab Emirates, the Danish drugmaker said Wednesday, marking its first launch outside the U.S. market.

Novo's approach will be guided by patient demand, the readiness of healthcare professionals, and the strength of healthcare and telehealth infrastructure, said Emil Kongshøj Larsen, executive vice president, International Operations.

"The UAE has demonstrated strong momentum across all of these areas, and we look forward to bringing Wegovy pill to additional select countries in the coming months," he said.

The company announced alongside its first-quarter earnings in early May that it would launch the pill outside the key U.S. markets, without naming specific markets.