Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant behind the market‑leading weight‑loss drug Wegovy, said it will pursue both legal and regulatory measures after U.S. telehealth company Hims & Hers began offering a $49 version of the semaglutide injection, a price dramatically lower than Novo’s $149 retail price for the branded product.
Allegations of Counterfeit and Unapproved Medication
In a statement, Novo Nordisk accused Hims & Hers of “unlawfully mass‑marketing an unapproved, inauthentic and untested knockoff semaglutide pill.” The company warned that the product does not meet the rigorous standards required for the U.S. “gold‑standard” treatment and could jeopardize patient safety.
Legal and Regulatory Path Forward
Novo Nordisk said it will file lawsuits to protect its intellectual property and will work with U.S. regulators, including the Food and Drug Administration, to halt the distribution of the alleged counterfeit. The company emphasized that its actions are intended to safeguard patients, preserve the integrity of the approved medication, and defend its patents on semaglutide.
Hims & Hers Response
Hims & Hers has positioned the $49 offering as a more affordable alternative to Wegovy, arguing that high drug prices limit access to effective obesity treatment. The firm has not yet commented on Novo Nordisk’s legal threat, but it maintains that the product complies with applicable regulations.
Industry Implications
The dispute highlights growing tension in the U.S. pharmaceutical market between brand‑name manufacturers and emerging telehealth platforms that seek to provide lower‑cost versions of high‑price drugs. If Novo Nordisk’s legal challenge succeeds, it could set a precedent for how counterfeit or off‑label weight‑loss medications are policed in the United States.
What’s Next for Patients?
Patients currently using or considering the $49 semaglutide product are advised to consult healthcare professionals before making any changes to their treatment regimen. Novo Nordisk urged consumers to verify that any semaglutide they receive is sourced from an authorized distributor and bears the proper FDA approval.
