Hims & Hers launched a compounded oral semaglutide pill matching Novo's Wegovy active ingredient, priced at $49 for the first month, $100 less than Novo's version.135
Novo Nordisk condemned Hims' product as an 'illegal mass compounding and deceptive advertising,' threatening legal and regulatory action over patient safety and IP concerns.1
FDA Commissioner Martin Makary stated the agency will act against companies mass-marketing illegal copycat GLP-1 drugs, noting unverifiable quality, safety, and effectiveness.1
The announcement caused Novo and Eli Lilly shares to drop over 6%; Novo recently forecasted slower 2026 sales growth partly due to compounders.1
Novo's oral Wegovy, FDA-approved in December 2025, had the fastest pharmaceutical launch by early prescriptions, but faces competition from Hims and potential Lilly oral GLP-1 in Q2 2026.12
Sources:
1. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/hims-compounded-wegovy-glp-1-obesity-novo-lilly/811476/
2. https://research.contrary.com/report/how-glp-1s-broke-healthcare-distribution
3. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/him-hers-plans-offer-cheaper-version-wegovy-pill-prompting-novo-nordisk-threaten-legal
5. https://www.benefitsandpensionsmonitor.com/benefits/pharma/new-us49-glp-1-pill-tests-limits-of-drug-pricing-and-patents/393073