NEW YORK, Sept 18 (Askume) – U.S. telemedicine company Hims & Hers Health (HIMS.N) said on Wednesday it will offer a compounded version of Novo Nordisk ‘s (NOVOb.CO) popular weight loss drug Wegovy to select patients for $99 per month.
The company said the pricing will apply to eligible U.S. military members, teachers, nurses and first responders, including police officers, firefighters and veterans. Hims offers monthly semaglutide injections for $199 to patients on a 12-month plan, according to its website.
Why is this important?
The news comes after US Senator Bernie Sanders said several generic drug makers have confirmed they are selling customised versions of Novo’s drug using semaglutide for less than $100 a month .
Due to the growing demand for GLP-1 weight loss drugs, which can help patients lose an average of 20% of their body weight, there has been a shortage of these drugs, which requires formulators to comply with US regulations.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 70% of American adults are overweight or obese.
situation
According to the company’s website, a one-month supply of Ozempic and Wegovy costs $935.77 and $1,349.02, respectively. Most U.S. patients have health insurance and therefore may have to pay less for their medications.
Novo and rival Eli Lilly (LLY.N), which makes the weight-loss drug Zepbound, have filed multiple lawsuits against medical spas, health clinics and compounding pharmacies , alleging they sold products with the wrong ingredients.
The compounded GLP-1 injection is prepared and shipped by Hims & Hers-affiliated pharmacies and is regulated by the FDA, the company said.
Key Quotes
“The current state of access to weight loss medications is not helping all the people who need weight loss medications,” said Andrew Dudum, CEO and co-founder of Hims & Hers. “Safe and affordable health care solutions for all should be the status quo.”
