In an unexpected move, Hims & Hers is making available a cheaper, compounded version of the Wegovy weight loss pill sold by Novo Nordisk, prompting the drugmaker to accuse the telehealth platform of “illegal mass compounding.”

In its announcement, Hims & Hers said it would make compounded copies of Wegovy available on its platform for an introductory price of $49 for the first month with a five-month plan. The version would be made from the same active ingredient, semaglutide, that is the basis for the Novo Nordisk medicine, which sells for $149 for a starting dose.

The telehealth company maintained the pill is “formulated to protect the active ingredient during digestion and to support absorption” and has an “innovative delivery method.” Hims & Hers also said all active pharmaceutical ingredients in its compounded treatments are sourced exclusively from facilities registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

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