Novo Nordisk sues Hims & Hers over compounded obesity drugs
Novo Nordisk is taking legal action against online telehealth provider Hims & Hers for marketing cheaper, unapproved versions of the drugmaker’s new Wegovy obesity pill and injections in the U.S. Novo is seeking a permanent ban on Hims selling compounded drugs that infringe on its patents and is looking to recover damages.
John Kuckelman, Novo’s group general counsel, called Hims’ actions a “sham” and expressed concerns about the safety and quality of the compounded medicines being offered. Hims, on the other hand, accused Novo of limiting consumer choice and defended its history of providing safe access to personalized healthcare.
The lawsuit comes as Novo faces competition in the obesity drug market from companies like Eli Lilly and compounded alternatives. While Novo’s semaglutide-based drugs are no longer in shortage, Hims claimed their versions are legal due to personalized dosages.
Novo emphasized the need to end unlawful mass compounding practices and ensure that compounding is done on a case-by-case basis for medical necessity. The FDA has announced plans to take legal action against Hims, and Novo has filed lawsuits to crack down on deceptive marketing practices in the industry.
