Novo Nordisk filed a lawsuit against Hims & Hers accusing them of infringing on a key U.S. patent for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, which expires in 2032.1
The lawsuit targets Hims & Hers' sale of cheaper compounded versions of Wegovy's new oral pill, priced at $49 for the first five months versus Novo's $149.1
Novo seeks damages and a permanent injunction to halt sales of the alleged infringing products, citing safety risks from unapproved compounded drugs.2
Hims & Hers responded by calling the suit an attempt by 'Big Pharma' to limit access, and they halted offering the compounded pill amid FDA warnings and regulatory scrutiny.2
Market reaction:
Novo Nordisk shares rose ~3%, Hims & Hers stock fell over 20% following the lawsuit announcement.2
Sources:
1. https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2026/02/09/novo-sues-hims-infringing-wegovy-patent-obesity/
2. https://hlth.com/insights/news/novo-nordisk-files-lawsuit-against-hims-and-hers-for-patent-infringement-2026-02-10