Novo Nordisk sues Hims & Hers over "Copycat" Obesity Drugs
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
The burgeoning market for weight-loss medications faces a major legal reckoning as Novo Nordisk filed a lawsuit Monday against the telehealth provider Hims & Hers. The suit alleges that the platform has been mass-marketing "untested" and "unapproved" compounded versions of Novo's blockbuster obesity treatments, Wegovy and semaglutide.
The legal escalation follows a turbulent weekend for Hims & Hers, which saw its stock plunge more than 27% on Monday. The company had recently announced plans to offer a compounded oral version of semaglutide for as little as $49 a month—roughly $100 cheaper than Novo’s newly launched Wegovy pill. However, Hims abruptly retreated from the pill's launch following intense scrutiny from federal regulators and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which referred the company to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for investigation.
Novo Nordisk is asking the court to permanently ban Hims from selling these compounded versions, arguing they infringe on patents valid through 2032. John Kuckelman, Novo’s general counsel, described the marketing of these drugs as a "complete sham," asserting that because official shortages of semaglutide have been resolved, the regulatory loophole allowing for mass compounding has closed.
Hims & Hers defended its practices in a statement, calling the lawsuit a "blatant attack" on consumer choice and "personalized care". The company maintains that its versions are legal because they offer tailored dosages for individual patients.
The FDA has also stepped in, pledging "decisive steps" to restrict active ingredients used in non-approved compounded drugs. While Novo's shares rose 3% on the news, the legal battle marks a significant turning point for the telehealth industry, which has thrived on providing affordable alternatives during recent drug shortages.
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Keywords: Novo Nordisk sues Hims & Hers
Novo Nordisk sues Hims & Hers
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