Novo Nordisk Sues Hims & Hers Over Unapproved Weight Loss Drug Copies

Danish pharma giant alleges telehealth company is illegally marketing compounded versions of its Wegovy obesity treatment.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has filed a lawsuit against online telehealth provider Hims & Hers, accusing the company of illegally marketing unapproved copies of Novo's Wegovy weight loss drug in violation of patent protections. Novo is seeking a permanent injunction to stop Hims from selling compounded versions of its semaglutide-based medications and demanding monetary damages for patent infringement.

Why it matters

The lawsuit marks an escalation in the ongoing battle between traditional pharmaceutical manufacturers and compounding pharmacies over access to popular obesity medications. Novo argues that compounded drugs are untested and put patients at risk, while Hims claims it is providing personalized care and consumer choice.

The details

Novo Nordisk alleges that Hims & Hers has been illegally marketing compounded versions of its Wegovy and Ozempic products, which contain the active ingredient semaglutide that remains under U.S. patent protection until 2032. The Danish drugmaker wants the court to permanently bar Hims from selling these unapproved copycat medications. Hims has maintained that its compounded semaglutide products are legal because they are 'personalized' in dosage, but Novo disputes this, accusing Hims of illegal mass compounding.

  • Novo Nordisk filed the lawsuit on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Hims announced it would discontinue its newly launched oral obesity medication copycat following increased federal scrutiny and legal pressure from Novo.

The players

Novo Nordisk

A Danish pharmaceutical giant that manufactures the blockbuster weight loss drug Wegovy.

Hims & Hers Health

An online telehealth company that Novo Nordisk alleges has been illegally marketing unapproved copies of its Wegovy obesity treatments.

John Kuckelman

Novo Nordisk's group general counsel, who stated that Hims' medicines are untested and put patients at risk.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant Novo Nordisk's request for a permanent injunction to stop Hims from selling compounded versions of its weight loss drugs.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between pharmaceutical companies seeking to protect their patent rights and telehealth providers offering more affordable, albeit potentially riskier, compounded alternatives. The outcome could have significant implications for consumer access to weight loss medications.