Novo Nordisk Brings Multiple Suits Over Alleged Counterfeit Versions of Its Weight-Loss Drug

Novo Nordisk has sought legal action against 10 medical spas, weight loss and wellness clinics, and compounding pharmacies in four states for illegally selling non-FDA-approved compounded and counterfeit semaglutide products.

The FDA has yet to announce official enforcement action against the health entities unlawfully selling semaglutide, branded as Wegovy for weight management, and as Ozempic and Rybelsus for treating type 2 diabetes.

In May, the FDA did address consumers taking unlawfully produced semaglutide products, noting that the agency had “received adverse event reports after patients used compounded semaglutide” and reiterated that patients “should not use a compounded drug if an approved drug is available.”

In its lawsuits, Novo Nordisk has petitioned the health entities to cease and desist from false advertising, trademark infringement and unlawful sale of its semaglutide products. The Danish drugmaker highlighted that compounded drugs do not carry the same safety, quality and effectiveness assurances as FDA-approved drugs and that there are no currently FDA-approved generic versions of semaglutide.

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