Novo Nordisk and Hims & Hers Reach Agreement, Ending Legal Battle Over Weight Loss Drugs

A dispute between pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk and telehealth provider Hims & Hers Health Inc. Has ended with a new partnership, potentially reshaping access to popular weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo Nordisk has dropped its patent infringement lawsuit against Hims & Hers and Hims will now sell FDA-approved Ozempic and Wegovy at the same price as other telehealth platforms, while ceasing the advertisement of compounded versions of these drugs.

The Initial Conflict

The conflict began escalating in June 2025, when Novo Nordisk ended its initial partnership with Hims & Hers, accusing the telehealth company of aggressively marketing compounded GLP-1 products that mirrored its blockbuster weight loss drugs [CNBC]. Hims & Hers then launched a compounded semaglutide pill in February 2026, directly competing with Novo Nordisk’s recently approved Wegovy pill, prompting Novo Nordisk to file a patent lawsuit [AP News]. The FDA also signaled its intent to take action against the sale of unauthorized compounded drugs.

The New Agreement

Under the terms of the agreement announced on March 9, 2026, Hims & Hers will discontinue advertising compounded GLP-1 drugs and will offer existing patients the opportunity to transition to FDA-approved medications [USA Today]. A limited number of patients with specialized needs may still access compounded products if deemed clinically appropriate by a physician. Hims will sell Ozempic and Wegovy at the same price as Novo Nordisk and other partner telehealth companies.

Impact on Compounded GLP-1s

This partnership could significantly impact the market for compounded GLP-1s, which have operated in a legal gray area. While compounded pharmacies are permitted to create customized drugs under certain circumstances, the FDA and Novo Nordisk have been cracking down on widespread production and sales of these copycat drugs, particularly now that shortages of semaglutide and tirzepatide have ended [CNBC]. The FDA recently issued warning letters to 30 telehealth companies for illegally marketing compounded GLP-1s.

Broader Trends in Peptide Regulation

The situation is further complicated by recent developments regarding other peptides. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has announced plans to direct the FDA to remove at least 14 peptides from a compounding ban list, allowing their production by specialty pharmacies [CNBC]. Yet, this list does not include GLP-1s. Peptide Sciences, a major distributor of peptides sold as “research chemicals,” has announced it will cease operations.

Looking Ahead

The market for GLP-1s and other weight loss drugs is evolving rapidly. While certain peptides may remain readily available through compounding pharmacies, the sale of copycat GLP-1s is likely to grow more restricted. The agreement between Novo Nordisk and Hims & Hers signals a shift towards greater regulation and a focus on FDA-approved medications, potentially making these treatments more accessible and safer for patients [The Hill].