Novo Nordisk announced that it will make its weight loss drug Wegovy available through telehealth platforms Hims & Hers Health, Ro, and LifeMD, as supply issues ease and regulatory restrictions curb compounded alternatives. The move is intended to capture a broader patient base now that the FDA is tightening oversight on cheaper, unapproved semaglutide copies.
With the end of widespread compounding, Novo Nordisk aims to transition patients to the branded version through seamless online access. Patients can now obtain Wegovy directly from their telehealth providers, shipped to their homes, simplifying the treatment process. The drug is also available via NovoCare, the company’s new direct-to-consumer pharmacy, for $499 per month for patients without insurance.
Ro has opted to offer Wegovy at this same cash price, bundling access to all dose levels with 24/7 messaging, coaching, and educational support through its Body Program. Meanwhile, Hims & Hers is offering the medication starting at $599 per month, which includes additional clinical support and nutrition guidance. The price difference reflects the added care services provided by Hims & Hers.
Novo Nordisk sees the telehealth partnerships as a strategic solution now that compounded semaglutide is phasing out due to recent FDA enforcement deadlines. Larger compounding pharmacies had until May 22 to cease marketing unauthorized versions, while smaller state-licensed ones were required to comply by April 22.
Though Hims & Hers had previously offered compounded semaglutide starting in May 2024, most of that availability has ended in compliance with new rules. The company noted it may still provide personalized compounded doses under specific clinical circumstances.
This expansion of access to Wegovy is part of Novo Nordisk’s broader strategy to maintain market leadership as legal barriers reduce the presence of non-branded competition. While the FDA allows compounded medications during declared shortages or under medical necessity, manufacturers and many experts have raised safety and efficacy concerns due to the lack of FDA approval.
Novo Nordisk emphasized its commitment to working within established regulations to provide reliable, safe access to treatment. These collaborations with digital health providers mark a new phase in the company’s strategy to scale obesity care across the U.S. as compounded alternatives disappear from the market.
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