Novo-Nordisk A/S Stock Price, News & Analysis

Novo Nordisk (NVO) has terminated its collaboration with Hims & Hers Health due to concerns over illegal mass compounding and deceptive marketing practices of Wegovy knockoffs. The partnership, which lasted just over a month, ended after Hims & Hers allegedly failed to comply with laws prohibiting mass sales of compounded drugs under false personalization claims. Novo Nordisk's investigation revealed that knockoff semaglutide ingredients were sourced from unauthorized Chinese manufacturers. The FDA had previously declared the Wegovy shortage resolved in late April 2025, confirming Novo Nordisk's ability to meet current and projected demand. The company will continue providing authentic Wegovy through NovoCare Pharmacy to select telehealth organizations committed to safe medical treatment.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) announced key initiatives as FDA's grace period for mass compounding of "semaglutide" expires. The company introduced a one-time $199 first-month offer for Wegovy® through June 30, 2025, targeting self-paying patients previously using unapproved semaglutide. After the first month, self-pay patients will pay $499 monthly. The company launched "Choose the Real Thing" campaign to educate about knockoff dangers and has filed nearly 120 lawsuits across 34 states against illegal compounders. Analysis revealed over half of Chinese suppliers shipping semaglutide to US in 2024-2025 lack manufacturing permits in China. With Wegovy® fully available nationwide, mass compounding of semaglutide is now illegal under US law, with rare exceptions.

Novo Nordisk has expanded its Wegovy® savings program, now offering the weight management medication at $499 per month to eligible cash-paying patients across all dose strengths (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg) at local retail pharmacies. Previously, this pricing was only available through the NovoCare® Pharmacy.

This expansion aims to improve accessibility and affordability while ensuring patients receive authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy® from reputable pharmacies, addressing concerns about risks associated with the compounding marketplace. The program reinforces Novo Nordisk's commitment to making innovative medicines more accessible to communities they serve.

Novo Nordisk has launched NovoCare® Pharmacy, offering all doses of Wegovy® (semaglutide) at a reduced cost of $499 per month for cash-paying patients, with convenient home delivery service. This initiative follows FDA's confirmation that the medicine's shortage is resolved, with supply meeting current and projected U.S. demand.

The program targets uninsured patients or those with commercial insurance lacking obesity medicine coverage. Currently, 90% of Wegovy® patients with coverage pay $0 to $25 monthly. The service includes home shipments through CenterWell Pharmacy, benefit verification, refill reminders, and live support from NovoCare® case managers.

The initiative aims to provide reliable access to authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy® amid concerns about fake or illegitimate compounded semaglutide. Novo Nordisk plans to extend this reduced pricing to cash-paying patients using traditional retail pharmacies in the future.

Novo Nordisk has launched a national campaign called The Power of Wegovy® to highlight the effectiveness of Wegovy® (semaglutide) 2.4 mg injection for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction. The campaign aims to educate the public on the clinical benefits and safety of Wegovy® while addressing the stigma associated with obesity. The FDA-approved drug is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to aid weight loss and reduce major cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease. A recent FDA update has expanded its indications, and Novo Nordisk is working to improve drug access and insurance coverage.

Novo Nordisk announced a significant reduction in the U.S. list prices for several insulin products by up to 75%, effective January 1, 2024. The price cuts apply to pre-filled pens and vials of both basal and bolus insulins, including NovoLog, Levemir, and Novolin. This initiative aims to enhance affordability for diabetes patients amidst ongoing healthcare price challenges. Novo Nordisk also offers co-pay support, allowing eligible patients to pay between $25 and $35 for their insulin. The company emphasizes its commitment to making insulin accessible and reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Bigfoot Biomedical has announced the compatibility of its Bigfoot Unity Diabetes Management System with four additional rapid-acting insulin products, including Eli Lilly’s Insulin Lispro and Novo Nordisk’s Insulin Aspart. These insulins are offered at prices at least 50% lower than their branded counterparts, addressing the urgent need for affordable diabetes care. The system, which features smart pen caps compatible with various insulin pens, also includes Lilly’s Lyumjev, available for $35 under the Lilly Insulin Value Program, enhancing access for diabetes patients.

The STEP 5 phase 3b trial results for Wegovy™ (semaglutide) were presented at ObesityWeek 2021. Over two years, 304 adults using Wegovy™ achieved a 15.2% weight loss compared to 2.6% for placebo, with 77.1% of participants losing at least 5% of their body weight. Adverse events included nausea and diarrhea, with 5.9% of Wegovy™ patients discontinuing due to side effects. Approved by the FDA in June 2021, Wegovy™ aims to address the obesity epidemic, which affects more than 42% of adults in the U.S.