Hims Launches $49 Compounded Version of Wegovy Weight-Loss Pill
Hims and Hers Health has officially introduced a new compounded version of the Wegovy weight-loss pill. Priced at $49 per month, this offering is approximately $100 less than the original drug from Novo Nordisk. This launch is part of Hims’ strategy to provide affordable healthcare options in the competitive weight-loss market.
Details of Hims’ Compounded Wegovy Version
The compounded Wegovy pill contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as the brand-name version from Novo Nordisk. Hims plans to increase the price to $99 per month for patients who opt for a five-month subscription and pay upfront. For those choosing a shorter, three-month subscription, the cost will be higher.
- Introductory price: $49 for one month
- Price for five-month plan: $99 per month (paid upfront)
- Price for three-month subscription: higher than $99
- Brand-name Novo Wegovy: $199 (no subscription)
Market Response and Impact on Competitors
Following the announcement, shares of Novo Nordisk dropped significantly, falling 8.6% and reaching their lowest level since July 2021. Compounding pharmacies across the United States continue to sell versions of Novo Nordisk’s product despite increasing scrutiny from the FDA.
Hims’ CEO, Andrew Dudum, emphasized the importance of providing more choices for customers. He believes that increased options benefit patients, especially those looking for alternatives to injectable treatments.
Regulatory Concerns and Competition
Despite the excitement surrounding the new product, both Hims and Novo Nordisk face challenges. Novo’s CFO, Karsten Munk Knudsen, expressed concerns about the ongoing marketing of compounded drugs that have not received FDA approval.
Novo Nordisk has recently encountered unprecedented pricing pressure on their weight-loss medications. This situation has been exacerbated by competition from Eli Lilly, which is expected to launch its own weight-loss pill soon. Hims had previously partnered with Novo in 2025 to offer the injectable version of Wegovy but ended the partnership due to marketing disputes.
Continuing the Compounding Practice
Compounding remains a legal practice in the U.S., provided that the drugs are tailored to meet individual patient needs. Despite the availability of branded products, pharmacies still produce compounded versions, particularly when there’s a perception of drug shortages, which is not currently the case for Novo’s offerings.
Future Outlook
Hims expects that the expansion of its facilities in New Albany, Ohio, will help maintain lower treatment costs for patients. This growth is vital for facilitating broader access to tailored weight-loss solutions as competition in the market intensifies.
