Novo Nordisk plans to stop compounded versions of Ozempic and Wegovy with fresh litigation

Source – Fierce Pharma

Novo allegedly filed separate lawsuits against health spas, clinics, and pharmacies in Florida, New York, Tennessee, and Texas, accusing them of deceptive advertising, trademark infringement, and illegally selling compounded versions of Ozempic and Wegovy.

A Novo Nordisk official stated in an email that the firm intends to pursue legal action against additional producers and distributors of compounded imitation medications.

“We are preparing to file additional lawsuits in the coming days and weeks against medical spas, weight-loss clinics and compounding pharmacies,” the Novo spokesperson said.

Some pharmacies are allowed to produce compounded versions of medications for which there is a scarcity of supplies, as the FDA noted last month. However, some pharmacies are producing copies of these well-liked prescriptions that do not include semaglutide—the primary active component of the GLP-1 treatments—in a rush to supply them, particularly to patients who want to lose weight.

Some pharmacies are allowed to produce compounded versions of medications for which there is a scarcity of supplies, as the FDA noted last month. However, some pharmacies are producing copies of these well-liked prescriptions that do not include semaglutide—the primary active component of the GLP-1 treatments—in a rush to supply them, particularly to patients who want to lose weight.

Spas and clinics who fail to warn clients that they are utilizing compounded versions of Ozempic and Wegovy are being targeted by Novo Nordisk.

Some businesses produce their knockoffs using semaglutide salt forms, such as semaglutide sodium or semaglutide acetate, which have not been shown to be secure or efficient. Patients who utilized some of these compounded forms of semaglutide reported adverse events to the FDA.

“These unlawful marketing and sales practices, including the use of Novo Nordisk trademarks in connection with these practices, have created a high risk of consumer confusion and deception as well as potential safety concerns”.