Novo Nordisk Expands Wegovy Access Through WeightWatchers Partnership, Terminates Hims & Hers Deal

Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical giant behind the blockbuster weight loss drug Wegovy, has announced a new partnership with WeightWatchers to broaden access to its popular medication. This strategic move comes on the heels of the company's recent decision to terminate its partnership with telehealth provider Hims & Hers, highlighting the complex landscape of weight loss drug distribution and the pharmaceutical industry's efforts to navigate it.

WeightWatchers Partnership and Expanded Access

Novo Nordisk's collaboration with WeightWatchers, set to launch on July 1, 2025, aims to provide consumers with streamlined access to Wegovy. The partnership will utilize Humana's CenterWell Pharmacy for medication fulfillment and delivery, offering patients a comprehensive approach that combines FDA-approved medication with lifestyle support.

Dave Moore, Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations at Novo Nordisk, emphasized the synergy between the two companies, stating, "WeightWatchers has spent over six decades building a science-backed approach to weight management, and we see strong synergy in our shared commitment to improving long-term health outcomes."

As part of this initiative, Novo Nordisk is introducing a new cash-offer price of $299 for Wegovy, available through July 31, 2025. This offer is open to self-paying patients who are new to the Wegovy savings program or have not previously filled a prescription through NovoCare, the company's online pharmacy. Following this promotional period, the price for self-paying patients will increase to $499 per month.

Hims & Hers Partnership Termination and Industry Tensions

In a surprising turn of events, Novo Nordisk recently ended its partnership with online health and wellness company Hims & Hers after just one month. The termination stems from concerns over Hims & Hers' continued sale and promotion of compounded versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic.

Novo Nordisk cited patient safety concerns, particularly regarding "foreign illicit active pharmaceutical ingredients" in knock-off versions of GLP-1 drugs. The company's investigation suggested that the semaglutide used in these compounded drugs is manufactured by suppliers in China.

Hims & Hers CEO Andrew Dudum responded forcefully to the termination, accusing Novo Nordisk of "misleading the public" and attempting to control clinical standards. Dudum stated, "We refuse to be strong-armed by any pharmaceutical company's anticompetitive demands that infringe on the independent decision making of providers and limit patient choice."

This conflict highlights the ongoing tensions in the rapidly growing weight loss drug market, as pharmaceutical companies seek to protect their branded products while telehealth providers aim to offer a range of options to patients.