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Controversial Weight-Loss Pill Pulled From Platform

Hims & Hers has abruptly stopped offering its compounded weight-loss pill modeled on Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drug Wegovy, backing away from the product just days after facing legal threats from both the drugmaker and U.S. regulators.

The telehealth company confirmed on Saturday that it will no longer provide access to the semaglutide-based pill, citing discussions with industry stakeholders and renewed scrutiny over regulatory compliance. The move follows mounting pressure from Novo Nordisk and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, both of which warned that Hims could face enforcement action.

Legal and Regulatory Pressure Escalates

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, publicly accused Hims & Hers of engaging in what it described as “illegal mass compounding” of GLP-1 drugs. The pharmaceutical giant signaled earlier this week that it was prepared to pursue both legal and regulatory remedies, arguing that the telehealth provider was misleading consumers with unapproved knockoff versions of its prescription medication.

Shortly after Novo’s statement, the FDA entered the dispute, announcing it was considering legal action against Hims & Hers. The agency said potential steps could include restricting access to key drug ingredients and referring the matter to the Department of Justice, a significant escalation that raised the stakes for the company.

Pricing Dispute at the Center of the Clash

Hims & Hers had positioned its compounded semaglutide pill as a lower-cost alternative to Wegovy, advertising a starting price as low as $49 for the first month. By comparison, Novo Nordisk’s branded pill typically costs around $150 or more per month before insurance, depending on pharmacy pricing.

The affordability angle helped fuel demand, particularly among patients who struggle to obtain GLP-1 medications due to shortages, insurance exclusions, or high out-of-pocket costs. However, Novo Nordisk has consistently argued that compounded versions undermine patient safety and violate federal drug regulations when mass-produced outside of approved shortages.

Company Response and Public Messaging

In a statement posted on social media, Hims & Hers said it decided to discontinue the pill after “constructive conversations” across the healthcare industry. The company emphasized that it remains focused on expanding access to “safe, affordable, and personalized care” for millions of Americans.

Hims also defended its broader business practices, stating that it has always operated in compliance with applicable laws and with consumer safety as a priority. The company did not specify whether it would continue offering other compounded GLP-1 treatments in different formats.

Timing Raises Attention Ahead of the Super Bowl

The decision comes at a highly visible moment for Hims & Hers. The company is set to air a national television advertisement during Super Bowl 60, one of the most expensive advertising slots of the year. The ad features rapper Common delivering a message about how “America’s wealth gap has turned into a health gap,” positioning the company as a champion of healthcare access and affordability.

Pulling the pill just ahead of the broadcast avoids the risk of regulatory backlash overshadowing the campaign, but it also underscores the tension between Hims’ disruptive pricing strategy and the heavily regulated pharmaceutical industry.

Broader Implications for Telehealth and GLP-1 Drugs

The episode highlights the growing regulatory scrutiny facing telehealth platforms as demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs surges. With medications like Wegovy and Ozempic generating tens of billions of dollars in annual sales globally, drugmakers and regulators are increasingly aggressive in policing copycat products and compounded alternatives.

For Hims & Hers, the retreat signals a recalibration rather than a full stop. The company continues to expand across dermatology, mental health, sexual health, and metabolic care, but the weight-loss drug battle shows that pushing too far into pharmaceutical gray zones can quickly trigger regulatory pushback.

As GLP-1 demand continues to explode, the clash between affordability, access, and regulation is likely far from over.

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