Hims & Hers' GLP-1 Pill Plan Backfires, Sparking Crackdown on Compounders

Online telehealth company's risky move to offer a compounded version of Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug draws swift regulatory backlash.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Online telehealth company Hims & Hers Health sought to expand into the lucrative weight-loss drug market by offering a compounded version of Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 weight-loss pill Wegovy. However, the move quickly backfired as it drew swift warnings from the FDA and a lawsuit from Novo Nordisk over patent infringement. Experts say Hims likely overstepped by trying to manufacture a complex, liposomal-based oral version of the drug, which would have been difficult to produce safely and effectively outside of Novo's patented technology.

Why it matters

The Hims & Hers case highlights the risks and challenges facing telehealth companies as they try to expand into new drug categories, especially ones with complex manufacturing requirements. It also signals a broader crackdown by regulators on compounding pharmacies offering unapproved versions of branded drugs, as the makers of those drugs like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly move to cut prices and improve access to their own oral GLP-1 offerings.

The details

Hims announced plans to offer a compounded oral semaglutide pill for $49, a version of Novo Nordisk's new Wegovy pill. However, just two days later Hims retreated after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary warned the offering was "illegal." Novo then sued Hims for infringing on patents for its injectable weight-loss drugs. Experts say Hims likely wanted to tap into the growing oral GLP-1 market, but struggled to effectively manufacture a complex liposomal-based version of the drug outside of Novo's patented technology, raising potential safety concerns.

  • On February 17, 2026, Hims announced plans to offer a compounded oral semaglutide pill.
  • On February 19, 2026, Hims retreated from the plan after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary warned the offering was "illegal."
  • Also on February 19, 2026, Novo Nordisk sued Hims for infringing on patents for its injectable weight-loss drugs.

The players

Hims & Hers Health

An online telehealth company that was seeking to expand into the lucrative weight-loss drug market by offering a compounded version of Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 weight-loss pill.

Novo Nordisk

A Danish pharmaceutical company that makes the injectable GLP-1 weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, and sued Hims for infringing on its patents.

Marty Makary

The Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, who warned that Hims' offering of a compounded GLP-1 pill was "illegal."

Andrew Dudum

The entrepreneur who runs Hims & Hers Health.

Prashant Yadav

A professor of technology and operations management at INSEAD who commented on the challenges of manufacturing a complex liposomal-based oral GLP-1 drug.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.