Novo Nordisk terminates partnership with Hims & Hers amid legal accusations

In the United States, Novo Nordisk announced its decision to sever ties with Hims & Hers, a telehealth company, following allegations that Hims had violated their partnership agreement by continuing to sell compounded versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved weight-loss medication Wegovy. This announcement came just two months after their collaboration was initially formed in April, aimed at providing Wegovy to patients lacking insurance coverage. Novo's complaint detailed that Hims was marketing excessive knockoffs, competitive with Wegovy, thus undermining Novo's sales and patient safety protocols. Compounding pharmacies make drugs based on prescriptions but are typically not subject to FDA inspections, which raises concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of such products. Despite rising demand, both Novo and Hims were involved in a competitive landscape complicated by the recent lifting of a drug shortage that had previously allowed Hims to profit from compounded semaglutide. Novo’s accusations asserted that Hims's practices not only broke their agreement but potentially violated regulations designed to protect patient health. Hims & Hers, on its part, has publicly refuted Novo's claims, stating that it complied with the terms of their agreement. The company noted it would continue to offer Wegovy along with personalized compounded options to ensure that patients receive the best possible care tailored to their needs. This public disagreement has highlighted their contrasting viewpoints on patient safety and treatment options. Ultimately, as Novo Nordisk aimed to protect its market share and ensure that patients received approved drugs, Hims & Hers expressed its commitment to patient autonomy, emphasizing a dedication to individualized treatment plans. The split between these two companies not only affects their business operations but also raises broader questions regarding the practices of compounding pharmacies and the ethical implications of such business models in pharmaceuticals.