Yahoo Finance·2026-02-10 11:12Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk has initiated a U.S. patent lawsuit against Hims & Hers, targeting the sale of compounded versions of its weight-loss drug Wegovy, marking a significant escalation in its legal strategy against compounding pharmacies [1][2]. Legal Context - This lawsuit is Novo's first against a compounding pharmacy in the U.S. regarding Wegovy, coinciding with the FDA's announcement that the active ingredient semaglutide is no longer in short supply, which has lessened concerns about public backlash from patent enforcement [2][3]. - Hims & Hers recently launched a $49 compounded version of Wegovy but quickly retreated after the FDA indicated it would take action against the company [3]. Financial Implications - Hims & Hers has projected its total revenue to exceed $2.3 billion by 2025 and aims for $6.5 billion by 2030, indicating rapid growth in the telehealth sector [4]. Regulatory Environment - U.S. regulations permit compounding pharmacies to produce and sell brand-name medicines if they are in short supply, but without a shortage, compounding is generally allowed only for customized patient needs [5]. - The FDA had previously listed semaglutide as in short supply in 2022, which facilitated the rise of compounding, but declared the shortage over in February 2025 [6]. Previous Legal Actions - Novo Nordisk has previously filed lawsuits against smaller compounding pharmacies for selling unsafe or falsely advertised Wegovy "knockoffs," focusing on safety and trademark rights during the semaglutide shortage [7].