Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant and manufacturer of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, has officially terminated its partnership with telehealth platform Hims & Hers Health Inc. The move comes just weeks after the two companies announced a collaboration to make Wegovy accessible via Hims & Hers’ online platform.
According to Novo Nordisk, the decision was made following concerns over non-compliant marketing practices and unauthorized compounding. The company accused Hims & Hers of promoting compounded versions of semaglutide—the active ingredient in Wegovy—through international sources not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Patient safety is our top priority. We remain committed to working with partners who uphold the highest standards of regulatory compliance and integrity,” Novo Nordisk said in an official statement.
The termination immediately revokes Hims & Hers’ access to Wegovy through NovoCare, the official pharmacy distribution network of Novo Nordisk.
The news sparked a sharp reaction in financial markets, with Hims & Hers shares plunging by over 20% during early trading hours. Investors reacted swiftly to the reputational risk and operational disruption caused by the sudden breakdown in the partnership.
This development underscores growing regulatory scrutiny in the booming telehealth weight-loss sector, especially as demand for GLP-1-based medications like Wegovy continues to surge. Telehealth platforms have increasingly promoted compounded alternatives in response to product shortages and pricing pressures, but this incident marks a clear warning from major drug manufacturers about the risks of circumventing regulatory protocols.
Novo Nordisk reiterated its dedication to maintaining FDA-authorized pathways for distribution and expressed openness to partnerships with platforms that demonstrate full compliance with U.S. healthcare laws.
Impacted patients who accessed Wegovy via Hims & Hers are now advised to transition to verified providers to ensure continuity of care and medication safety.
