The Partnership Between Hims & Hers and Novo Nordisk: A Game-Changer in Virtual Care
Direct-to-consumer virtual care company Hims & Hers has joined forces with pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk to offer Americans a groundbreaking bundled package. This package includes access to Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug Wegovy along with a Hims & Hers membership, all starting at a competitive price of $599 per month.
Hims & Hers members now have direct access to NovoCare Pharmacy, an exclusive service by Novo Nordisk that caters to cash-paying individuals without insurance. Through this collaboration, individuals can easily obtain Wegovy medication along with Hims & Hers’ comprehensive offerings, which include around-the-clock care, nutritional guidance, and clinical support.
This week, Hims & Hers introduced Wegovy to cash-paying patients with a valid prescription, marking the beginning of a new era in accessible healthcare. The partners are also exploring innovative ways to merge Novo Nordisk’s advanced technologies with Hims & Hers’ scalable care delivery model to enhance long-term outcomes for individuals battling chronic diseases, all while keeping costs affordable.
Dave Moore, Executive Vice President of U.S. operations and global business development at Novo Nordisk, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased that Hims & Hers is making this offering available this week to people living with obesity.” He further emphasized the companies’ shared goal of improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for a broader population.
The Expansion of Novo Nordisk’s Partnerships
In addition to its partnership with Hims & Hers, Novo Nordisk has also teamed up with direct-to-consumer virtual care company Ro and telemedicine provider LifeMD. This collaboration aims to offer Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug through telehealth providers at a reduced cost of $499 per month for cash-paying clients.
The Larger Trend in Obesity Management
Wegovy, Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug, received FDA approval in 2021, signaling a significant advancement in obesity management. Last year, Hims & Hers expanded its weight-loss offerings by incorporating GLP-1 injections, including compounded semaglutide formulations, in its range of medications priced from $199 per month.
However, concerns were raised by the FDA regarding the use of unapproved versions of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, prompting regulatory actions to address the issue. With Novo Nordisk now meeting the nationwide demand for Wegovy and Ozempic, the FDA has put an end to the supply shortage, leading to changes in the production and distribution of compounded medications.
Notably, Hims & Hers faced criticism following a Super Bowl LIX ad that portrayed the company as a solution to America’s obesity epidemic. The ad prompted concerns from lawmakers and healthcare organizations regarding the disclosure of safety information in pharmaceutical advertising, highlighting the importance of transparent communication in healthcare marketing.
Looking ahead, Hims & Hers plans to launch a generic version of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 diabetes drug liraglutide on its platform by 2025. Liraglutide, known by its brand name Victoza, is renowned for its efficacy in managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, showcasing the potential for innovative collaborations in the virtual care landscape.
