The U.S. FDA has approved Novo Nordisk's first oral GLP-1 weight loss drug, allowing it to gain an advantage in the fierce competition with Eli Lilly, causing the company's stock price to surge by 10% in after-hours trading. The oral version of Wegovy is set to launch in the U.S. in early January next year, with a starting cash price of $149 per month. Clinical data shows it can help patients lose up to 16.6% of their weight and reduce cardiovascular risk. Eli Lilly's similar oral medication is expected to be approved in March.