Latest news with #GLP1
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hims & Hers Stock Tumbles as Novo Nordisk Ends Its Wegovy Sales Deal. Can the Telehealth Giant Recover?
Novo Nordisk is feuding with Hims & Hers Health over the latter's sale of compounded versions of Wegovy. Hims & Hers Health's business spans well beyond weight loss drugs, but the fallout of this could damage the company's reputation. A wide range of outcomes makes evaluating the stock more challenging now. 10 stocks we like better than Hims & Hers Health › Up-and-coming telehealth company Hims & Hers Health (NYSE: HIMS) has capitalized on the weight loss drug craze to become one of the market's top performers over the past few years. However, recently, pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, the maker of popular GLP-1 agonist weight loss drug Wegovy, terminated its sales partnership with the company due to its continued efforts to sell compounded semaglutide, the patented active ingredient in Wegovy. The stock tumbled over 30% on the news, but is still up nearly 100% over the past year. Will Hims & Hers recover, or is this the beginning of the stock's troubles? Here is what you need to know. Wegovy is a popular weight loss drug, a type of GLP-1 agonist, that helps patients lose weight by slowing digestion and suppressing their appetite. It was so popular that Novo Nordisk couldn't keep up with demand, and regulators declared a shortage from 2022 to earlier this year. During a drug shortage, healthcare providers can prescribe compounded versions of medications. Compounding involves producing customized versions of a mass-produced drug, typically intended for uncommon circumstances. For example, a patient may experience severe side effects from the commercially available dosage and need a custom dose. Hims & Hers began selling compounded semaglutide (Wegovy) in May 2024, which has helped fuel the company's success over the past year. The semaglutide shortage ended in February, after which compounding was supposed to cease, except in the rare instances where compounding has traditionally helped patients. In April, Novo Nordisk partnered with Hims & Hers to provide direct access to Wegovy to the telehealth company's patients. However, Hims & Hers has continued to sell compounded semaglutide on the basis that patients still require personalized treatments. CEO Andrew Dudum recently posted on X that the company had conducted a study of over 90,000 participants using personalized GLP-1 treatments, though he didn't provide any sources. Novo Nordisk, arguing that Hims & Hers is abusing compounding as a loophole to bypass its patent, terminated the sales agreement. The press release Novo Nordisk put out includes several potentially troubling allegations against Hims & Hers, including: Using deceptive marketing practices Illegal mass compounding to skirt patent protection Selling potentially unsafe knock-off versions of Wegovy, made by Chinese manufacturers without regulatory approval or oversight Now, whether these allegations are factual is impossible to know without more information, some of which may not ultimately come out without litigation. Thus far, Novo Nordisk has not sued Hims & Hers, though it's certainly a possibility. The stock's trajectory from here is up in the air, to say the least. On the one hand, Hims & Hers was a flourishing business before it started offering compounded semaglutide. It grew its subscriber base from 391,000 in Q1 2021 to 1.7 million in Q1 2024 (just before announcing its weight loss launch), selling generic drugs and products for other conditions across skin and hair care, sexual health, and other categories. Management's 2025 sales guidance is currently $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion, with approximately 30% of revenue coming from weight loss drugs. So, while compounded semaglutide has been a significant growth catalyst, which explains why management is fighting to continue selling it, it's not the entire business, by any means. On the other hand, the allegations could damage the Hims & Hers brand and reputation, which are crucial to the business model, considering its treatments, even the personalized versions, aren't proprietary. Numerous competitors sold compounded semaglutide throughout the shortage, and it's been the company's strong marketing and execution that have fueled such impressive growth over the past several years. Now, investors must wait and see whether this drama begins to weigh on the Hims & Hers brand. Will patients start to back away from Hims & Hers? Will Novo Nordisk sue Hims & Hers? Lawsuits can be lengthy and expensive, casting a dark cloud over the stock for the foreseeable future. Novo Nordisk's allegations could be bitter mudslinging, or they could be serious trouble for Hims & Hers if they're true. If anything, it's probably safe to say that a promising, growing business has become a far riskier stock. Investors will want to use extra caution when approaching Hims & Hers until some of the dust settles. Before you buy stock in Hims & Hers Health, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Hims & Hers Health wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $687,731!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $945,846!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 818% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 175% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 23, 2025 Justin Pope has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Hims & Hers Health. The Motley Fool recommends Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Hims & Hers Stock Tumbles as Novo Nordisk Ends Its Wegovy Sales Deal. Can the Telehealth Giant Recover? was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Traveling With Ozempic This Summer? Here's What Doctors Want You to Know
Traveling while taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic or Wegovy comes with its own set of challenges, and those challenges only multiply in the summer. Whether you're navigating a heat wave, spending hours on a plane or just trying to keep up with your summer routine, it's not always easy to stay consistent with your medication or manage potential side effects like nausea and fatigue. Hot weather alone can be a major obstacle, since most GLP-1 medications need to be kept refrigerated or at a stable temperature until use. Add in airport security, changing time zones and irregular meals, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But with the right planning, it's entirely possible to travel safely and comfortably while staying on track with your treatment. More from Flow Space 6 Expert Recommended Steps to Take Before the FDA Cracks Down on GLP-1 Drugs Here's what to know before you hit the road or friendly skies this summer. Traveling with GLP-1 medications requires some planning, especially during the summer months. When in room temperature conditions, opened pens can remain at room temperature for up to 28 days. However, if you are traveling by car in the summer heat, it is best to keep your medication in an insulated bag with cooling packs, Dr. Britta Reierson, a board-certified family physician and obesity medicine specialist at metabolic health company knownwell, tells Flow Space. 'Ensure that the packs don't directly touch the medication to avoid freezing,' she says. 'Store the medication out of direct sunlight and heat sources, and if you have overnight stops, use refrigeration whenever possible. You can even consider a portable mini-fridge that can go in the car for longer trips.' And what about while flying? Reierson says if your summer plans have you traveling by air, it is important to always carry your medication in your carry-on luggage to maintain consistent temperature and inform TSA officers that you are carrying injectable medication. Keep the medication in its original packaging with the prescription label. 'Also, use cooling packs to keep the medication cool during the flight,' she adds 'For international travel, I have provided my patients with a letter to present to TSA and customs if required. I recommend checking with state and country specific traveling with medication requirements prior to travel.' GLP-1s are known to cause side effects like nausea, an upset stomach, diarrhea and constipation. Not to mention, most GLP-1s are given via injection, which can sometimes cause pain at the site and might even require a band-aid. Because of this, Reierson recommends packing a 'medication go-bag.' To prepare, she suggests including the following: All prescription medications—enough to cover the entire trip, plus a couple extra days to cover for unexpected travel delays All injection supplies needed Over-the-counter medications, like pain relievers, antihistamines, antacids and anti-diarrheal medications First-aid supplies, such as bandaids, antiseptic and cleaning wipes, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen and insect repellent A printed list of your medications, dosings and a copy of health insurance/dental insurance card And while you may think you've packed and prepared everything needed, it's also important to start preparing your body in the days leading up to your travels. Dr. Shaline Rao, chief of cardiology and vice chair of the Department of Medicine Hospital Operations at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, recommends not starting a new medication or dose change in the days before travel as you may find yourself facing unexpected side effects. She says that with travel comes changes in hydration, frequency of meals, as well as the possibility of nausea or low appetite. If you have strong symptoms or are prone to these types of issues, talk to your physician before traveling for possible supportive care plans. 'For the majority of patients, making sure to stay hydrated, avoid extreme temperatures and eat small meals throughout the day should be sufficient,' she says. 'Making sure to take cues from your body is important. If you need time to rest, take the time you need.' If you forget a dosage during travel it will be easier to manage if you are traveling nationally, not abroad. You may consider transferring your prescription to a local branch of your national chain pharmacy, or contacting your doctor to call in a prescription to a nearby pharmacy. If you are abroad, you may need to find a local pharmacy or healthcare provider to prescribe the medication. 'In some countries you may be able to find GLP-1 medications for purchase without a prescription at a local pharmacy, however it is important to ensure you're buying from a reputable source to avoid counterfeit medications,' says Reierson. And if you fall off your dosing routine during travel? Rao says it is best to consult with your provider for guidance, but in general, you will be able to get back on a routine and be OK. 'If you do not have diabetes, then the consequence of a missed dose or delayed dose is likely low and you can work with your team to set up a resumed schedule,' she says. 'These medications are typically once a week, so the average traveler can get back on track quickly. This is why it is best to travel with extra supplies so as to minimize the stress of changes during travel.'
BreakingNews.ie
16 hours ago
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Pancreatitis cases linked to weight loss jabs
Ireland's medicines watchdog has confirmed a number of reports of pancreatitis linked to weight loss jabs. GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are under review in the UK after a spike in adverse reactions. Advertisement The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) said the number of Irish cases is very low, but people should consult their doctor if they are concerned. HSE national clinical lead for obesity, Professor Donal O'Shea, said it is important people use these drugs under medical supervision. Prof O'Shea said: "The main side effects are gastrointestinal and that's around nausea, vomiting, constipation, but they can cause unsteadiness and dizziness. "And I've certainly seen people coming into hospital having had falls on these treatements, and again the advice is not to take these unless they are prescribed by a healthcare professional."
Gizmodo
20 hours ago
- Health
- Gizmodo
This Once-a-Month Ozempic Rival Just Delivered Big Results
Having to take Ozempic or other weight loss drugs can be a real pain in the ass, with users often having to jab themselves once each week. In newly released clinical trial data, Amgen's once-monthly experimental drug MariTide performed as well as or even better than the existing blockbuster GLP-1 medications semaglutide and tirzepatide. People taking MariTide consistently lost more weight than those on placebo, with some losing up to 20% of their baseline weight over a year's time. Amgen is moving ahead to Phase III trials of MariTide, setting the stage for a fierce competition among the next generation of obesity drugs. Amgen presented the full results of its Phase II trial of MariTide this week at the annual American Diabetes Association meeting; the results were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Ozempic Might Be a Dementia Buster, Too Like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro) before it, MariTide mimics GLP-1, a hormone important to regulating our hunger and blood sugar. But the injectable medication has a few new tricks up its sleeve. The drug additionally carries a molecule that targets GIP, another important hunger-related hormone. Interestingly enough, tirzepatide mimics GIP, but MariTide inhibits it (that suggests GIP's role in controlling our weight is plenty complicated). The experimental drug also contains a lab-made antibody designed to keep it lingering in our system for a long time, so it's intended to be taken monthly or once every two months, compared to the weekly shots needed for semaglutide and tirzepatide. The Phase II trial involved nearly 600 adults, some of whom had type 2 diabetes and others with only obesity. In those with obesity only, people lost up to 20% of their weight on average over a 52-week span (those on placebo lost an average of 2.6% body weight). People with type 2 diabetes lost on average up to 17% of their weight. These results, while not directly comparable at this point, are on par with the clinical trial data of the latest GLP-1 drugs. And since participants were still continuing to shed pounds by the study's end, it's possible that the typical weight loss seen with MariTide might be even higher. 'MariTide delivered strong efficacy, including sustained weight loss without a plateau in the 52-week Phase 2 study and meaningful improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, representing a defining advance for the obesity field,' said Jay Bradner, executive vice president of research and development at Amgen, in a statement from the company. Not everything with MariTide is sunshine and puppies, however. Rates of vomiting were much higher among certain groups of people on MariTide, for instance, which likely contributed to a higher rate of people dropping out before the study's end. But some data also suggest this side effect can be dampened by gradually raising people's doses over time, similar to how existing GLP-1 drugs are managed. The Best Obesity Drugs Aren't Even Here Yet Amgen will fully test out this staggered dosing strategy in its Phase III 72-week-long trial of MariTide for people with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, which has already begun enrollment. The company also plans to launch Phase III trials for cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and heart failure. But it's far from alone in the arms race to develop more effective or practical obesity treatments. Dozens of other candidates are in the pipeline, each with their own possible advantages over today's drugs, such as being available via a pill or coming without the gastrointestinal side effects common to GLP-1s. Not all of these experimental drugs will work out, of course, but it seems likely that semaglutide and tirzepatide soon won't be the only options available for people with obesity.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a dietitian - these are the six cheap supermarket foods that work like Ozempic to curb appetite, without the side effects
When it comes to avocados, millennials may have actually got it right. For the bright green fruit works in the same way as weight loss jabs like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, according to one expert. Slimming injections have ushered in a new era in the war on obesity. The treatment spurs weight loss by mimicking the actions of a hormone released in the gut after eating—GLP-1. As well as telling the pancreas to make more insulin, the GLP-1 hormone feeds back to the brain and makes us feel full—stopping patients from over-eating. But the jabs are not without side effects, with users commonly complaining of nausea, constipation and diarrhoea after taking the medication. Yet, Maria AbiHanna, a Dubai-based dietician said six certain food groups 'can do the same thing naturally, without the nausea'. The first, healthy fats, includes foods like avocados, nut butters and fatty fish like mackerel. Despite often being seen as 'bad', she said, a small amount of fat is an essential part of a healthy balanced diet and prove beneficial for weight loss. These fats help the body absorb key minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin D, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Protein, meanwhile, specifically eggs, Greek yoghurt and edamame beans, can help people feel fuller for longer and 'turns off cravings before they even start', she added. One serving of Greek yoghurt boasts an impressive 20g of protein, whilst three large eggs pack in 18g. Guidelines suggest that most adults need around 0.75-1g of protein per kilo of body weight, which is around 45g for women and 55g for men or two portions of meat, fish, nuts or tofu per day. High-fibre foods, such as chia seeds, lentils and oats, equally have a similar effect, Ms AbiHanna, who is also a certified eating disorder practitioner, said. Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plants that can help regulate digestion and curb huger pangs. But, the latest data from the British Dietetic Association suggests the average Brit consumes just 18g per day, far lower than the 30g recommended by the NHS guideline. Unlike other carbohydrates, fibre isn't easily broken down in the gut and absorbed by the body as sugar. Rather, it travels down the gut, through the intestines, slowing down digestion and keeping blood sugar steady. Chia seeds expand in your gut, while lentils and oats pack fibre and resistant starch for long-lasting satisfaction, she said. Recent studies have also found that dieters who have fibre rich diets report greater weight loss than their peers. One 2023 study published in the journal Science, found those who followed a high-fibre diet lost more weight than those on a control diet, despite their overall calorie intake being similar. Another food group Ms AbiHanna suggested was leafy green vegetables such as broccoli or cucumber to every meal, 'to feel fuller on lower calories'. Loading up on these high-volume, low-calorie options, such as leafy greens and cucumbers, will trick the body into feeling full as the stomach stretches, she said. Only specific carbohydrates, however, will have a similar effect as GLP-1s, she noted. Slow-burning carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and quinoa, digest more slowly, helping to maintain energy levels without the dreaded sugar crash. 'Think long-term fuel, not fast-burning fire', she said. 'If it stabilises your blood sugar, it stabilises your hunger.' For this reason, certain snacks also work well. For anyone looking to lose weight, she advised opting for green tea or matcha to help suppress hunger pangs, or fat-fibre combinations like apple slices with nut butter to ward off sugar cravings. 'This isn't about dieting or willpower', the nutrition expert said. 'It's about working with your biology, not against it.' Once aimed at diabetes patients, drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescribed on the NHS for people with obesity — and interest among slim people about their potential weight-loss benefits has led to a surge in demand for them privately too. At least half a million NHS patients and some 15 million patients in the US are now thought to be using weight-loss jabs, which can help patients lose up to 20 per cent of their body weight in just a few months. And the numbers using them privately are even higher. The health service currently prescribes Wegovy to around 35,000 patients at specialist weight management clinics. Mounjaro, meanwhile, has been available in similar clinics since March and as of this month, GPs are also able to prescribe it.
