Key Takeaways
- Wegovy Access Expands: Novo Nordisk (NVO) partners with Hims & Hers (HIMS), Ro, and LifeMD (LFMD) to offer Wegovy at $499–$599 per month.
- Stock Market Surge: Hims & Hers shares jumped 23–25%, LifeMD rose over 36%, and Novo Nordisk gained 4% following the announcement.
- Compounding Pharmacy Deadlines: Larger pharmacies must cease Wegovy production by May 22, while smaller ones had an April 22 deadline.
Wegovy Access Expands via Telehealth
On Tuesday, Novo Nordisk announced collaborations with telehealth providers Hims & Hers Health, Ro, and LifeMD to expand access to its blockbuster weight loss drug Wegovy, now that supply shortages in the U.S. have been resolved. This move comes as the company works to curb the sales of compounded, unapproved versions of Wegovy, especially after a U.S. judge recently rejected a legal bid by compounding pharmacies to continue selling those alternatives.
Larger outsourcing facilities have until May 22 to stop producing bulk semaglutide copies, while smaller state-licensed pharmacies had to cease operations by April 22. The partnerships align with Novo Nordisk’s broader strategy to regain control of the market and offer FDA-approved medication through direct-to-consumer channels like its online pharmacy NovoCare, which offers Wegovy at a discounted rate of $499 per month for uninsured, cash-paying patients.
Telehealth Pricing and Market Moves
The stock market responded positively to the announcement, with shares of Hims & Hers jumping 23–25%, LifeMD rising over 36%, and Novo Nordisk gaining 4%. Hims & Hers will begin offering all dose sizes of Wegovy this week at $599 per month, a price that includes 24/7 care, nutritional support, and ongoing clinical services. Ro and LifeMD are offering the drug for $499 per month, matching NovoCare’s discounted rate but excluding the cost of medication from their service packages like Ro’s Body Program.
These developments follow previous activity where both Hims & Hers and Ro sold compounded versions of semaglutide—the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic—during the drug’s shortage. Though compounding is being phased out, Hims & Hers CEO Andrew Dudum confirmed the company will still offer personalized compounded doses in medically necessary cases, in compliance with FDA regulations.
Regulation, Supply, and Competitors
Novo Nordisk’s U.S. executive vice president Dave Moore emphasized the importance of ensuring patients have easy and seamless access to branded Wegovy as compounded versions disappear. “This should also be a very clear message that we have a full supply of Wegovy… we want everyone to know that all doses are available,” Moore stated.
The company’s collaboration with telehealth platforms not only facilitates direct home delivery but also reinforces its regulatory stance on ensuring drug safety. Meanwhile, competitor Eli Lilly is taking similar steps with its weight-loss drug Zepbound, offering it through platforms like Ro—though the company clarified it has no formal affiliation with Hims & Hers, unlike Novo Nordisk’s official partnerships.
Market Update Into September 7th: Inflation Data Incoming