DarDoc becomes first digital platform in UAE to offer oral weight loss drug

DarDoc, a UAE digital health platform, can now prescribe oral semaglutide - the pill version of the weight loss drug Wegovy. The company is the only digital health provider in the UAE with this access, thanks to an exclusive partnership with drug maker Novo Nordisk.

The UAE is the first country outside the United States to get the oral version of Wegovy. DarDoc says it's already dispensing prescriptions every 17 minutes and has hundreds of patients on a waiting list.

How does it work?

Oral semaglutide is a once-daily pill that mimics hormones in your gut to help with weight loss. It's the first pill in a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists approved for weight management - previously, patients had to inject these medications.

DarDoc offers the treatment through its "Lifestyle Rx Subscription Programme," which includes:

• Unlimited doctor consultations
• Prescription management
• Home delivery of medications
• Lab testing at discounted rates
• Ongoing medical monitoring

All doctors on the platform are certified obesity specialists. Patients get three months of integrated care to ensure medical oversight throughout treatment.

Why does it matter?

This launch addresses a major health problem in the Middle East, where obesity rates are among the highest globally. The UAE has been pushing to position itself as a leader in healthcare innovation, and getting early access to new treatments supports that goal.

The pill format makes treatment more accessible than injections. Many patients prefer taking a daily pill over giving themselves weekly shots, which could increase treatment uptake.

"Obesity is one of the most significant health challenges facing our region, and expanding access to clinically proven treatment options is critical to improving long-term health outcomes," said Samer Masri, DarDoc's co-founder and CEO.

The context

GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy have created a massive shift in obesity treatment. Originally developed for diabetes, these medications can help people lose 15-20% of their body weight in clinical trials. The global market for these drugs is expected to reach over $100 billion by 2030.

DarDoc has been prescribing injectable GLP-1 treatments since 2023 and was the first digital clinic in the UAE to offer them. The company operates a licensed pharmacy with nationwide delivery, letting patients access specialist care from home.

Through Novo Nordisk's NovoCare patient platform, anyone in the UAE seeking oral semaglutide gets directed to DarDoc for consultations. This exclusive arrangement gives the company a significant advantage in the growing weight management market.