Hims & Hers Launches Wegovy Competitor at $49

Hims & Hers announced it will offer a compounded version of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, a popular weight-loss medication, at an introductory price of $49 per month. This new offering aims to provide personalized treatment strategies, similar to its approach with compounded injectable weight-loss drugs.

The introduction of this lower-cost alternative has sent ripples through the pharmaceutical industry, causing shares of Novo Nordisk and competitor Eli Lilly to fall. Investors are concerned about how these major drugmakers will protect their profit margins as more affordable options become available in the market.

Industry analysts express varied views, with some highlighting the potential for compounded versions to address specific patient needs, such as lower or intermittent dosing. Others question the legality and long-term implications of such offerings, noting that legal challenges and regulatory oversight from the FDA could be forthcoming.

While Hims & Hers sees this as a logical expansion of its weight-loss platform, particularly with the growing demand for oral GLP-1 medications, concerns remain about the enforcement of existing laws protecting branded drugs and the capacity to supply effective doses.