(NBC News) – Novo Nordisk said Wednesday that demand for its Wegovy pill got off to a strong start after it launched in the U.S. in early January.

By Jan. 23 — less than three weeks after it became available — about 50,000 prescriptions were being filled each week, according to the drugmaker. In total, more than 170,000 people are taking the drug.

Roughly 9 in 10 of those prescriptions were paid for out of pocket, rather than through insurance. (Read More)