Shares in Novo Nordisk (NVO) rose sharply Tuesday after U.S. regulators approved the company’s GLP-1 pill, marking a first for the drug class.

The stock gained about 6% at the opening bell as investors reacted to the approval of the oral treatment from the Wegovy maker.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday cleared the pill for use, giving Novo Nordisk an early advantage in the expanding obesity drug market.

The decision puts the Danish pharmaceutical group ahead of U.S. rival Eli Lilly, which is also developing pill-based GLP-1 treatments.

Novo Nordisk said the pill will launch with a starting dose of 1.5 milligrams. It will be available through pharmacies and selected telehealth providers beginning in early January.

The company said patients will be able to access the drug with savings offers priced at $149 per month. The same monthly price will apply to cash-paying patients.

According to Novo Nordisk, cash-paying patients can also purchase the pill through President Donald Trump’s direct-to-consumer website, TrumpRx.

The arrangement follows a deal struck between Novo Nordisk and the Trump administration last month. Drug pricing has remained a key issue as U.S. policymakers seek to lower costs for consumers.

The approval comes at the end of a volatile year for the company. Novo Nordisk has faced internal board disputes, supply chain shortages, and scrutiny over its U.S. commercial strategy.

The company was also involved in a competitive bidding process with Pfizer, adding to pressure on management during the year.

Despite those challenges, the FDA decision represents a significant milestone for Novo Nordisk. It positions the company at the forefront of the race to bring an oral GLP-1 treatment to market.

The approval underscores growing interest in alternatives to injectable weight-loss drugs, as demand for obesity treatments continues to rise in the United States.