NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2026 — Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical giant behind the popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, has launched a lawsuit against telehealth company Hims & Hers, alleging the creation and sale of unauthorized, compounded versions of its medications. The legal action signals a growing concern over the accessibility and authenticity of these in-demand drugs.
Compounded Copies Spark Legal Battle
Novo Nordisk accuses Hims & Hers of selling “knock-off” versions of Ozempic and Wegovy.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, claims Hims & Hers is manufacturing compounded versions of Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo Nordisk estimates that approximately one and a half million people in the U.S. are currently using these compounded formulations. This raises questions about patient safety and the efficacy of medications sourced outside of traditional pharmaceutical channels.
What are compounded drugs, and why were they allowed? Initially, the Food and Drug Administration permitted compounding pharmacies to produce versions of Ozempic and Wegovy when the branded medications faced widespread shortages. This temporary measure aimed to ensure patients could continue treatment uninterrupted.
However, both Ozempic and Wegovy were removed from the FDA’s official drug shortage list last year, prompting Novo Nordisk to take action against the continued production and sale of these compounded alternatives. The company argues that with the supply issues resolved, the continued availability of these copies infringes on their intellectual property and potentially puts patients at risk.
Compounding pharmacies create customized medications by combining, mixing, or altering ingredients. While they can be vital during shortages, they aren’t subject to the same rigorous FDA oversight as large-scale manufacturers.
The legal battle highlights the complex interplay between pharmaceutical innovation, drug shortages, and the growing telehealth market. As demand for weight-loss medications continues to surge, ensuring patient access to safe and effective treatments remains a critical challenge.
- Novo Nordisk is suing Hims & Hers over compounded versions of Ozempic and Wegovy.
- Approximately 1.5 million Americans are estimated to be using these compounded drugs.
- The FDA initially allowed compounding during drug shortages, but Ozempic and Wegovy are no longer on the shortage list.
- The lawsuit raises concerns about patient safety and intellectual property rights.
