Novo Nordisk Sues Compounding Pharmacies Over Unlicensed Semaglutide for Wegovy
Novo Nordisk filed patent infringement lawsuits in two U.S. districts against three compounding pharmacies producing unlicensed semaglutide, seeking injunctions to block distribution of lower-cost GLP-1 alternatives. The move aims to safeguard Wegovy’s market exclusivity and pricing power in the rapidly expanding weight-loss therapeutic sector.
1. Patent Lawsuits Filed
On February 22, Novo Nordisk initiated patent infringement actions in the U.S. District Courts for Delaware and Minnesota against three compounding pharmacies producing semaglutide injections without authorization. The complaints cite U.S. Patent No. 10,445,075 covering the semaglutide peptide and formulation and request immediate injunctions to stop distribution.
2. Protecting Wegovy’s Market
Compounding pharmacies have been offering semaglutide weight-loss injections at prices approximately 50% lower than branded Wegovy, threatening brand pricing and margins. By enforcing its patents, Novo Nordisk seeks to preserve Wegovy’s exclusivity, sustain gross margins above 80%, and deter further knock-off competition.