ABC News·2026-02-05 19:02Core Viewpoint - Hims & Hers is launching a cheaper, off-brand version of the weight-loss pill Wegovy, aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of GLP-1 drugs in the U.S. [1][2] Company Actions - Hims & Hers plans to introduce its compounded pill at an introductory price of $49 for the first month, followed by $99 per month, significantly lower than Novo Nordisk's price of $149 per month [4]. - The company has previously sold compounded versions of weight-loss drugs and is now entering the market with a pill format, which is a new offering following Novo Nordisk's reformulation of Wegovy [2]. Industry Context - The demand for GLP-1 drugs has surged, leading to a multibillion-dollar market opportunity, prompting companies like Hims to enter this space [5]. - The FDA has indicated that GLP-1 drugs are no longer in shortage, which may impact the compounding practices, although exceptions exist for customized prescriptions [6]. Legal and Regulatory Issues - Novo Nordisk has threatened legal action against Hims, labeling the new product as "an unapproved, inauthentic, and untested knockoff" of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy [3]. - Hims has faced scrutiny from the FDA for "false and misleading" marketing claims regarding its compounded products, which it states contain the same active ingredient as Wegovy but are not FDA-approved [5]. Market Reaction - Following the announcement of Hims' new product, shares of Novo Nordisk fell more than 5% in afternoon trading [7].