Partnership with Hims & Hers, Ro, and LifeMD aims to capture patients as compounded versions disappear
Novo Nordisk (NVO) is expanding access to its blockbuster weight loss drug Wegovy by partnering with telehealth companies Hims & Hers Health (HIMS), Ro, and LifeMD. The Danish pharmaceutical giant made the announcement Tuesday, signaling a strategic move to capture a broader share of the U.S. obesity treatment market now that Wegovy is no longer in short supply.
The move comes as legally restricted compounding pharmacies phase out cheaper, unapproved versions of semaglutide—the active ingredient in Wegovy. “We’re really pleased about the level of interest to access branded Wegovy and to start to catch people as they come off of compounded medicine,” said Dave Moore, executive vice president of U.S. operations at Novo Nordisk.
Shares of Hims & Hers soared 30% in premarket trading following the announcement, while Novo Nordisk rose 3%.
Patients will be able to access Wegovy directly through Novo Nordisk’s new online pharmacy, NovoCare, integrated with the three telehealth platforms. Ro announced it would offer all doses of Wegovy for $499 per month, alongside 24/7 messaging and coaching through its Body Program. Hims & Hers customers will pay more, reflecting the bundled access to care, according to CEO Andrew Dudum.
This partnership marks a significant shift from earlier months when compounded semaglutide dominated due to Wegovy’s limited supply. Now, with compounding restrictions tightening—especially with federal deadlines on bulk manufacturing taking effect by May 22—Novo Nordisk is seizing the opportunity to solidify its market position with FDA-approved products.
“The spirit of this is that we stay true to what the rules are,” Moore emphasized. “That’s the best way for us to serve patients.”
With major telehealth providers on board, Novo Nordisk is poised to expand its reach among patients seeking clinically approved weight loss solutions.
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