Novo Nordisk halts Wegovy sales on Hims & Hers, claiming “deceptive marketing” practices

Novo Nordisk Ends Partnership with Hims & Hers Health Over Fake Weight-Loss Drug Claims

Novo Nordisk recently made the decision to terminate its collaboration with Hims & Hers Health due to concerns over the telehealth company selling counterfeit versions of the pharmaceutical firm’s weight-loss drug, Wegovy. The Danish drugmaker announced that Wegovy will no longer be available on Hims & Hers and cited the sale of “illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy” as the reason for ending the partnership.

The partnership dissolution occurred less than two months after both companies announced a long-term collaboration aimed at increasing access to obesity treatment. Following Novo Nordisk’s announcement, shares of Hims & Hers plummeted by approximately 31%, reflecting the significant impact of the decision on the telehealth company’s revenue projections.

Novo Nordisk revealed that it began offering Wegovy through telehealth providers, including Hims & Hers, in response to a nationwide shortage of the drug. The pharmaceutical company sought to transition patients from using unauthorized compounded versions of Wegovy to the FDA-approved semaglutide medication. This move came after the FDA issued an order restricting compounding pharmacies from distributing counterfeit weight-loss drugs, a measure expected to drive up prices in the market.

A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk expressed disappointment in Hims & Hers’ failure to comply with regulations prohibiting the mass sale of compounded drugs and deceptive marketing practices that jeopardize patient safety. The FDA approved Wegovy for adults with obesity in March 2024, expanding the range of available weight-loss medications alongside drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The demand for GLP-1 drugs, which aid in diabetes management and weight loss, has surged in recent years, with a significant portion of U.S. adults reporting their use of such treatments.

Novo Nordisk emphasized the importance of patient safety, revealing that their investigation uncovered the use of unsafe and unregulated foreign ingredients in knockoff drugs sold by telehealth companies and compounding pharmacies. The company reiterated its commitment to ensuring the integrity of its products by continuing to offer Wegovy through telehealth platforms that prioritize patient safety, such as LifeMD and Ro.

In conclusion, Novo Nordisk’s decision to sever ties with Hims & Hers Health underscores the pharmaceutical company’s dedication to upholding regulatory standards and protecting the well-being of patients. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and compliance in the healthcare industry, particularly in the realm of telehealth services.