Novo Nordisk Ends Lawsuit, Forms Distribution Deal With Hims & Hers

Novo Nordisk dropped its patent‑infringement lawsuit against Hims & Hers and will instead partner with the company to sell the FDA‑approved GLP‑1 weight‑loss medications Wegovy and Ozempic through the telehealth company’s platform. 

The lawsuit, filed after Hims announced plans to offer a cheaper, off‑brand version of Wegovy, centered on Novo’s claims that the proposed product was “an unapproved, inauthentic, and untested knockoff” of semaglutide. 

Just days after the announcement, Hims withdrew the plan, a decision that closely followed an FDA warning that it might restrict access to key ingredients used in compounded GLP‑1 products.

The FDA allows compounding when drugs are in shortage, but declared GLP‑1s no longer in shortage in 2024. Despite this, companies like Hims continued relying on exceptions for customized prescriptions. 

Under the new agreement, Hims will begin selling oral and injectable versions of Wegovy and Ozempic later this month and will stop advertising compounded GLP‑1 drugs. Novo stated it reserves the right to refile its lawsuit if necessary.

Shares of Hims & Hers jumped more than 36 percent following the announcement, while Novo Nordisk stock also saw modest gains.