CNBC·2026-02-09 12:00Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk is suing Hims & Hers for marketing unapproved copies of its Wegovy obesity drug, claiming it deceives patients and poses health risks due to lack of regulatory verification [1][2][7]. Group 1: Legal Actions and Claims - Novo is seeking a permanent ban on Hims from selling compounded versions of its drugs that infringe on patents and is pursuing damages [2]. - Hims announced it would stop offering its copycat obesity pill after facing scrutiny from regulators and legal threats from Novo [3]. - The FDA plans to take legal action against Hims, including restricting access to ingredients and referring the company to the Department of Justice for potential violations [8]. Group 2: Market Context and Competition - The lawsuit occurs as Novo aims to reclaim market share in the growing obesity drug market, facing competition from Eli Lilly and compounded alternatives [4]. - Novo has increased manufacturing capacity, eliminating shortages of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, which has seen a successful launch since January [5]. - Despite the lack of shortages, an estimated 1.5 million Americans are using compounded GLP-1 drugs, indicating a significant market for alternatives [5]. Group 3: Regulatory and Safety Concerns - Hims claims its compounded products are legal due to personalized dosages, despite semaglutide being protected by U.S. patents until 2032 [6]. - Novo argues that Hims is engaging in illegal mass compounding, undermining safety and efficacy standards established by the FDA [7]. - The aggressive legal actions by Novo and Lilly against compounding pharmacies reflect the rising popularity of their weight loss and diabetes drugs [9].