Novo Nordisk has initiated legal action against online telehealth provider Hims & Hers for marketing lower-cost, unapproved versions of its obesity drug, Wegovy. The Danish pharmaceutical company is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Hims from selling compounded versions of Wegovy that allegedly infringe its patents and has called for damages. John Kuckelman, Novo’s general counsel, criticized Hims’ practices as unsafe, emphasizing that compounded medications are not verified by U.S. regulators, thus posing risks to patients.
The dispute escalated when Hims announced plans to offer its oral version of the drug for approximately $49, which is around $100 less than the approved Wegovy. Following scrutiny from federal regulators and legal threats from Novo, Hims decided to halt the sale of its copycat drug. The company responded to the lawsuit, claiming it is an attempt by a major pharmaceutical player to limit access to personalized care for countless Americans, labeling it a tactic indicative of Big Pharma exploiting the judicial system.
Novo Nordisk’s stock rose over 3% on the news of the lawsuit, while shares of Hims fell by more than 18%. The initiative by Novo comes as the company looks to secure its market position amid escalating competition in the obesity drug sector. Hims asserts that its compounded offerings are personalized and thus fall under legal boundaries, despite Novo claiming these practices are illegal mass compounding.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing regulatory scrutiny, as the FDA has indicated plans to take legal measures against Hims, potentially affecting access to key ingredients. Novo aims to curb unlawful mass compounding while still supporting legitimate practices for patient-specific needs.
Why this story matters
- It highlights the ongoing tension between pharmaceutical companies and online telehealth providers over drug safety and consumer access.
Key takeaway
- Novo Nordisk is actively defending its market position and patent rights against what it considers unsafe practices by Hims.
Opposing viewpoint
- Hims claims it is providing necessary access to affordable treatment, arguing against the monopolistic tendencies of large pharmaceutical companies.
