Novo Nordisk Ends Partnership With Hims & Hers Over Concerns About Wegovy Knockoffs; HIMS Stock Plummets
Novo Nordisk has ended its partnership with Hims & Hers Health, Inc. less than two months after it began. The decision comes after Novo Nordisk raised concerns about Hims & Hers selling and promoting compounded, or 'knockoff', versions of Wegovy, a popular FDA-approved weight-loss drug originally developed by Novo Nordisk.
Novo Nordisk cited issues including illegal mass compounding and deceptive marketing practices by Hims & Hers, which they say could put patient safety at risk. As a result, Hims & Hers will no longer have access to supply Wegovy through NovoCare Pharmacy or its telehealth platform.
Following the announcement, shares of Hims & Hers fell sharply, dropping around 30% in a single day. Investor law firms have since launched investigations into Hims & Hers for possible violations of securities laws.
Novo Nordisk stated that it will continue to work with other telehealth providers who meet their standards for patient safety and compliance, to ensure proper access to the authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy.
Novo Nordisk ended the partnership because Hims & Hers was selling and promoting non-approved, compounded versions of Wegovy, which raised concerns about safety and proper marketing.
Compounded medications are custom-made versions of drugs, often prepared when approved versions are unavailable. Novo Nordisk claims these compounded Wegovy versions may not be safe or legal.
Hims & Hers' stock price dropped about 30% in a single day after the announcement.
Yes, Wegovy will continue to be available through approved providers and telehealth companies that meet Novo Nordisk's safety and compliance standards.
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