Hims & Hers announced on Saturday that it will withdraw its imitation weight-loss medication from sale after generating backlash and legal threats earlier in the week.
“Since the introduction of the compounded semaglutide pill on our platform, we have engaged in productive discussions with industry stakeholders,” the telehealth company stated via social media. “Consequently, we’ve decided to discontinue providing access to this treatment. Our commitment to the millions of Americans who rely on us for safe, affordable, and personalized care remains steadfast.”
Initially, Hims & Hers had expressed intentions to develop a more affordable imitation of pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy weight-loss solution. This alternative — containing Wegovy’s active element, semaglutide — was anticipated to be available for as low as $49 during the first month. Novo’s product retails for approximately $100 more.
On Thursday, Novo threatened to take legal action against Hims, referring to it as “illegal mass compounding,” and stated intentions to pursue legal and regulatory measures.
“This is yet another instance of Hims & Hers’ longstanding practice of misleading the American public with counterfeit GLP-1 products, and the FDA has previously cautioned them about their misleading advertisements for GLP-1 knock-offs,” Novo declared in a statement at that time.
On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration intervened, announcing plans to initiate legal proceedings against Hims & Hers regarding the pill, which includes limiting access to the ingredients and referring the company to the Department of Justice.
In retaliation, Hims stated on Saturday that it “has consistently operated with a strong commitment to consumer safety and interests while adhering to applicable laws.”
This decision comes as the company readies to air an advertisement during Super Bowl 60 on Sunday. The advertisement features rapper Common delivering the message that “America’s wealth gap has evolved into a health gap.”
Hims previously indicated that it anticipates the ad to “ruffle some feathers.”
