Novo Nordisk, the company that produces the weight loss drug Wegovy, has taken a historic step. It will conclude its strategic partnership with Hims & Hers. A recent report found that Hims & Hers had been selling its customers cheaper knock-offs of Wegovy. This shocking disclosure sent up red flags not only about their safety but the legality of these products. So far, Wegovy has been on the market in Germany for over a year. You can pick it up from the Achat pharmacy on Kottbusser Damm in Mitte, Berlin.
The Novo Nordisk/Hims & Hers partnership that was announced earlier this year was clearly aimed at improving access to Wegovy. In a recent investigation published by Novo Nordisk, we learned some shocking information. The active ingredients in Wegovy knock-offs peddled by telehealth companies and compounded pharmacies are sourced from foreign suppliers to China. This creates huge issues with quality and adherence to legal requirements for accessibility.
Novo Nordisk expressed its discontent, stating that Hims & Hers “failed to adhere to the law which prohibits mass sales of compounded drugs.” Their plan to stop the joint effort immediately demonstrates the company’s dedication to making sure patients get only the safest and most effective medicines.
On that same earnings call in May, Hims & Hers CEO Andrew Dudum underscored the change the company sought with its mission. For him, it’s all about giving healthcare providers and patients more choices. He stated, “Ultimately what is right for them is their own discretion.” Dudum reinforced the importance of maintaining independence in treatment choices, asserting, “I think we strongly believe it’s really important that we maintain that independence.”
Telehealth firms are just meeting the need, as they keep realizing that some patients—especially those with disabilities—may need personalized compounded versions of Wegovy. Even post-collaboration, these situations are unavoidable due to medical necessity. This underscores the larger conversation occurring around access to emerging treatments, including the important place that telehealth should hold in 21st century medicine.
It continues to be focused on how to promote and sell Wegovy knock-offs. The company’s continuing investigation into such practices highlights its dedication to quality and patient safety in the pharmaceutical marketplace.