Hims & Hers Launches $49 Semaglutide Pill, Shares Plunge 8% After Legal Threat
Hims & Hers announced a compounded semaglutide weight-loss pill at $49/month in February 2026, undercutting Novo Nordisk’s $149 branded version. Following Novo’s legal threat and FDA chief’s warning, HIMS shares slid as much as 8% on February 6.
1. Product Announcement
On February 6, 2026, Hims & Hers unveiled a compounded semaglutide weight-loss pill option priced at $49 per month, significantly below the $149 monthly cost of Novo Nordisk’s branded Wegovy pill. The telehealth company emphasized accessibility and affordability in its direct-to-consumer launch.
2. Novo Nordisk’s Legal Threat
Novo Nordisk immediately condemned the Hims copycat pill as infringing its intellectual property, announcing plans to pursue legal action to block distribution. The Danish drugmaker asserted the compounded version violated patents covering its GLP-1 agonist formulations.
3. FDA Chief’s Warning
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf indicated the agency may side with Novo Nordisk, threatening to intervene and potentially block the rollout of Hims’s compounded pill if regulatory or patent standards are breached. This rare public comment underscored the seriousness of the dispute.
4. Market Reaction
Investors reacted swiftly to the escalating legal and regulatory challenges, driving HIMS shares down by as much as 8% on February 6. Market commentary highlighted concerns over potential injunctions and margin pressures from the aggressive pricing strategy.