Novo Just Schooled Hims – And Honestly, We All Saw It Coming
Telehealth and big pharma? It’s like watching two heavyweight boxers circling each other. And right now, Novo Nordisk just landed a knockout punch on Hims & Hers. Okay, maybe not a total KO—but definitely a solid uppercut. Here’s the thing: anyone paying attention knew this was coming. Novo’s been crushing it with Ozempic and Wegovy, and now? They’re coming for Hims’ lunch money.
How Hims & Hers Became the Cool Kid in Telehealth
The Playbook That Worked… Until It Didn’t
Remember when Hims first popped up? Slick ads for hair loss and, well, other men’s health stuff. They made it stupid easy—no awkward doctor visits, just tap your phone and bam, prescription at your door. Worked like a charm. Then they added Hers for women, threw in mental health, and suddenly they’re worth billions. Textbook disruption.
But here’s where it gets messy. Earlier this year, they quietly cut 4% of staff. Not huge, but when you’re the shiny new thing, even small stumbles get noticed. And regulators started cracking down on their weight-loss alternatives. Classic case of ‘move fast and break things’ meeting ‘oh crap, the FDA has rules’.
Novo’s Power Move – And Why It’s Genius
When the 800-Pound Gorilla Wants Your Banana
So what’s Novo doing? Basically saying “Hold my beer” to the entire telehealth space. Rumor is they’re launching their own direct-to-patient platform. And let’s be real—when you control Ozempic, you’ve got the golden ticket. Hims tried making knockoffs, but Novo’s like, “Nice try, kids.”
Honestly? This was inevitable. Pharma companies have been eyeing telehealth like my dog eyes my dinner. Novo’s got the drugs, the trust, and now? They’re cutting out the middleman. Smart? Absolutely. Ruthless? You bet.
Hims Is Bleeding – Can They Stop the Hemorrhage?
Stock Tanks, Investors Panic – Film at 11
News breaks about Novo’s move, and Hims’ stock does the limbo—how low can you go? Suddenly everyone’s questioning if they can compete. Weight-loss segment? Probably toast. Men’s wellness? Novo’s coming for that too. Their best bet might be going all-in on mental health, but who knows?
Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just about Hims. It’s a warning shot to every health startup. Big Pharma’s done playing nice. They see the telehealth gold rush and want in. Good for consumers? Maybe—competition could drive prices down. Bad for small players? Oh yeah.
The Ozempic Effect – More Than Just Weight Loss
When a Drug Becomes a Cultural Icon
Ozempic isn’t just medicine anymore—it’s a meme factory. SNL skits, TikTok trends, celebrities whispering about it like it’s some secret club. Hims tried to ride that wave with alternatives, but regulators shut that down fast. Meanwhile, Novo’s sitting pretty with the real deal.
Biggest missed opportunity? Hims could’ve partnered with Novo instead of trying to compete. Hindsight’s 20/20, but in healthcare, you either buddy up with the giants or get stepped on. Tough lesson to learn the hard way.
So Who Comes Out on Top?
Novo’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. Hims? They’re scrambling to stay relevant. The telehealth game just got way more interesting—and way more brutal. Was this predictable? To anyone not living under a rock. In this industry, the only real surprise is how long it took for the gloves to come off.
Final thought? Buckle up. This is just round one.
Source: Financial Times – Companies
