Hims & Hers Challenges Novo Nordisk With Affordable Weight-Loss Pill Launch
Fierce Healthcare
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
Hims & Hers has introduced a weight-loss pill containing compounded semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, priced at $49 monthly—substantially lower than Wegovy's $149. This initiative aims to enhance affordability and choice for consumers, prompting a rise in Hims & Hers' stock while negatively impacting Novo Nordisk's shares. In response, Novo Nordisk has threatened legal action, highlighting concerns about the safety and legality of compounded medications, a sentiment echoed by the FDA, which warns that such products lack the rigorous approval process of their FDA-sanctioned counterparts. This development underscores the ongoing tension between innovation in healthcare technology and regulatory compliance, with significant implications for both patient safety and market dynamics.