PLAINSBORO, New Jersy - Novo Nordisk announced Monday that a new daily pill for weight loss is now available in pharmacies across the United States.

The company stated the pill is the first oral version of the drug Wegovy. It provides an alternative for patients who prefer a daily tablet over a weekly injection.

According to the company, the pill is approved for adults who have obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Data from clinical trials showed that patients who took the pill lost an average of 17 percent of their body weight after 64 weeks.

Novo Nordisk set the price for the starting dose at approximately $5 per day, or $149 per month. The company said the highest maintenance dose will cost $299 per month.

Ed Cinca, a senior vice president at Novo Nordisk, stated that the new pill offers a significant option for weight management that previous oral medications could not match. Company officials stated that they have prepared for the launch to ensure the drug is immediately available to patients.