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Novo Nordisk<\/a> warns Hims & Hers<\/a> over $49 compounded, copycat version of Wegovy Novo Nordisk vowed to take legal action against Hims & Hers after the telehealth platform launched a cheaper, copycat version of the pharmaceutical giant\u2019s Wegovy GLP-1 weight loss pill.\n<\/p>\n In a Feb. 5 press release<\/a>, the Danish drugmaker called out what it called the unlawfully mass marketed product as \u201can unapproved, inauthentic and untested knockoff semaglutide<\/a> pill.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \u201cThe action by Hims & Hers is illegal mass compounding that poses a significant risk to patient safety,\u201d Novo Nordisk said. The company\u2019s once-daily oral Wegovy hit the market last month,<\/a> less than two weeks after securing U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.<\/a><\/p>\n Novo Nordisk plans to take action \u201cto protect patients, our intellectual property and the integrity of the US gold-standard drug approval framework.\u201d\n<\/p>\n The announcement came hours after San Francisco-headquartered Hims & Hers<\/a> said it will begin offering compounded copies of the Wegovy pill. The company detailed at an introductory price of $49 per month and $99 thereafter with a five-month plan.\n<\/p>\n In a statement to NJBIZ, Hims & Hers said, \u201cOur track record speaks for itself and is why we\u2019ve been able to help 2.5M customers access care personalized to their needs. We\u2019re focused on bringing more access, more positive outcomes, and more choice to customers everywhere. That\u2019s as true today as it was at our founding.\u201d<\/p>\n Knock it off<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not the first time \u2013 nor will it be the last time \u2013 a big pharma company has suggested taking an accessible, customer-first approach to health care is dangerous, illegal, or bad for the marketplace. This narrative is as predictable as it is outdated and false,\u201d the company said.\n<\/p>\n Less than a year ago, Novo Nordisk and Hims & Hers revealed plans to embark on a long-term collaboration to make obesity treatment more accessible.<\/a> The move came in the wake of the FDA\u2019s move to remove semaglutide from its shortage list in February 2025.<\/a> The FDA also told compounding pharmacies<\/a> to stop producing unbranded versions by May.\n<\/p>\n In support of transitioning patients from knockoff compounded versions to authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy, Novo Nordisk began partnering with telehealth companies, like Hims & Hers.\n<\/p>\n However, less than two months later, Novo Nordisk ended the relationship in June 2025.<\/a> At the time, the drugmaker said it based the determination on the \u201cdeceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate knockoff versions\u201d that \u201cput patient safety at risk.\u201d\n<\/p>\n This week, Novo Nordisk described Hims & Hers\u2019 compounded semaglutide weight loss pill as \u201canother example\u201d of the company\u2019s \u201chistoric behaviour of duping the American public with knock-off GLP-1 products.\u201d Semaglutide is the active ingredient in GLP-1 drugs.\n<\/p>\n Under federal regulations, compounding pharmacies can make and sell large quantities of brand-name medicines only if they are in short supply. The FDA declared a semaglutide shortage in 2022. After, pharmacies, telehealth companies and other health care providers could manufacture copycat GLP-1 therapies. Because consumers considered the drugs a cheaper, easier to access alternative, interest in compounded treatments skyrocketed.\n<\/p>\n Opposing views<\/p>\n Now, the FDA allows compounding of prescriptions specific to particular patients. In those instances, pharmacies cannot produce the dugs in large batches that might allow for cheaper production costs. As a result, telehealth companies like Princeton-based Noom have pivoted. That company now offers smaller doses of compounded semaglutide as part a program tailored to individual patients.\n<\/p>\n Semaglutide\u2019s patent is protected in the U.S. until 2032. However, Hims & Hers said its copies are \u201cpersonalized\u201d and therefore legal<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \u201cThis compounded product uses a different formulation and delivery system than FDA-approved oral semaglutide,\u201d the company said.\n<\/p>\n \u201cThis once-a-day pill has the same active ingredient as Wegovy and empowers providers to tailor treatment plans specifically for those who prefer to avoid needles or need smaller doses to help to balance side-effects,\u201d it went on.\n<\/p>\n Hims & Hers maintains the approach complies with FDA regulations allowing personalized exceptions. However, Novo Nordisk insists most compounded semaglutide sales remain illegal.\n<\/p>\n Patient safety at the fore<\/p>\n In its statement this week, Novo Nordisk highlighted that the FDA-approved Wegovy pill uses a technology that facilitates absorption when administered orally. It\u2019s unclear how Hims & Hers\u2019 copy formula could match the level of absorption.\n<\/p>\n
\nDrugmaker says product infringes on its branded GLP-1 treatment
\nHims offering lower-cost compounded weight-loss alternatives amid soaring demand
\nDispute highlights growing tension between brand-name pharma, telehealth<\/a> platforms<\/p>\n
\n![\"Hims](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Hims-and-Hers_031525_HERS_07_Steps_3685-LW.jpg\"\/)
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In April 2025, Hims & Hers Health Inc. announced a collaboration with Novo Nordisk for a bundled offering of Wegovy on the Hims & Hers platform. However, Novo Nordisk announced a few months later<\/a> it was ending the partnership. \u2013 PROVIDED BY HIMS & HERS\n<\/p>\n
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Noom offers smaller doses of compounded semaglutide as part a program tailored to individual patients. \u2013 PROVIDED BY NOOM\n<\/p>\n