Hims & Hers Health Offers Compounded GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs at Fraction of Brand-Name Costs: What You Need to Know

San Francisco, California United States of America
Company's weight loss program brings in over $100 million in revenue by 2025
Compounded drugs not directly evaluated by FDA, adverse events reported for semaglutide versions
Hims & Hers Health offers GLP-1 weight loss drugs at lower cost than brand-name competitors
Partners with compounded injectable medication manufacturers
Starting price is $199 a month, significantly less than Wegovy and Ozempic
Hims & Hers Health Offers Compounded GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs at Fraction of Brand-Name Costs: What You Need to Know

In recent news, several sources have reported that Hims & Hers Health is offering GLP-1 weight loss drugs for a fraction of the cost of brand-name competitors such as Wegovy and Ozempic. The company is partnering with compounded injectable medication manufacturers to provide these medications to customers via prescription. This move comes as demand for GLP-1 drugs, which help people feel fuller and less hungry, has soared due to their effectiveness in aiding weight loss efforts.

According to the sources, Hims & Hers Health is offering compounded GLP-1 medications starting at $199 a month. This is significantly lower than the cost of brand-name versions like Wegovy and Ozempic, which can cost over $1,000 a month without insurance.

It's important to note that these compounded drugs have not been directly evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not exactly the same as FDA-approved versions. However, they are produced when branded GLP-1 drugs are in short supply, which is currently the case.

Despite this, reports of adverse events have been received for compounded semaglutide versions by the FDA. Hims & Hers Health has stated that it conducted extensive research over the past year to ensure that if done properly, compounded GLP-1s are safe and effective.

The company's weight loss program, which costs $79 a month, is expected to bring in more than $100 million in revenue by 2025. Hims & Hers makes most of its money through subscriptions and plans to grow by expanding its number of subscribers.

It's important for consumers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new medication, including compounded GLP-1 drugs. They should also be aware that the FDA does not review compounded products for safety and efficacy, and patients should not use a compounded GLP-1 drug if an approved drug is available.

Sources: Bloomberg: Hims & Hers says it's selling injectable GLP-1 weight loss drugs for a fraction of the cost of brand-name competitors CBS News: Hims & Hers says it's selling injectable GLP-1 weight loss drugs for 85% less than Wegovy and Ozempic CNBC: Shares of Hims & Hers Health surge after startup says it will offer compounded GLP-1 injections


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Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Reports of adverse events for compounded semaglutide versions by the FDA
  • The safety and efficacy of compounded GLP-1 drugs have not been directly evaluated by the FDA

Sources

93%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Hims & Hers says it's selling a GLP-1 weight loss drug for 85% less than Wegovy. Here's the price.

CBS News Site: https://www.cbsnews.com/articles/about-us/ Megan Cerullo Tuesday, 21 May 2024 04:14
  • Unique Points
    • Hims & Hers is selling injectable GLP-1 weight loss drugs for a fraction of the cost of brand-name competitors such as Wegovy and Ozempic.
    • Customers need a prescription for the medication from their medical provider.
    • Hims & Hers Health is tapping an opportunity to profit by focusing on Americans’ desire to slim down, with existing weight-loss program revenue projected to exceed $100 million by 2025.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (75%)
    The article makes several statements that could be considered deceptive or misleading. The author states that Hims & Hers is selling GLP-1 weight loss drugs for 'about 85% less than brand-name versions like Ozempic and Wegovy.' However, this statement is not entirely accurate as it does not take into account the fact that patients will need a prescription from their medical provider to obtain the drugs from Hims & Hers. Additionally, while the cost of the drugs may be lower than brand-name versions, it is important to note that compounded drugs are not reviewed for safety by the FDA and have received adverse event reports. The author also states that 'Customers will need a prescription from their medical provider,' but fails to mention that this is a requirement for obtaining the drugs from any source, not just Hims & Hers. This could give readers the false impression that getting a prescription is an unnecessary hurdle when purchasing GLP-1 weight loss drugs from Hims & Hers. Lastly, the author refers to GLP-1 drugs as 'miracle drugs' when quoting consumers, which is an emotional manipulation and sensationalist statement.
    • Hims & Hers will provide patients with compounded GLP-1 drugs that start at $199 a month, or about 85% less than brand-name versions like Ozempic and Wegovy.
    • Some consumers have turned to compounded versions of the medications as demand for brand name drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro soars and strains supply. In: Wegovy Ozempic Megan Cerullo
    • Customers will need a prescription from their medical provider, based on what is medically appropriate and necessary for each patient.
  • Fallacies (90%)
    No formal fallacies were found in the article. However, there is an example of a dichotomous depiction and an appeal to authority. The dichotomous depiction is presented when comparing Hims & Hers GLP-1 drug price to brand name versions like Wegovy and Ozempic, implying that one must choose between the expensive brand name drugs or the cheaper alternative from Hims & Hers. Additionally, there is an appeal to authority in the quote from Andrew Dudum, CEO of Hims & Hers Health:
    • Hims & Hers is selling injectable GLP-1 weight loss drugs for a fraction of the cost of brand-name competitors like Wegovy and Ozempic.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

95%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Bloomberg - Are you a robot?

Bloomberg News Now Tuesday, 21 May 2024 04:15
  • Unique Points
    • Hims & Hers Health is selling injectable GLP-1 weight loss drugs for a fraction of the cost of brand-name competitors such as Wegovy and Ozempic.
    • Customers need a prescription for the medication from their medical provider.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

84%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Trendy SF company unveils cheap copycat of viral weight loss treatment

SFGate Stephen Council Monday, 20 May 2024 22:42
  • Unique Points
    • Hims & Hers is offering a cheaper alternative to Ozempic and Wegovy with a compounded semaglutide injection.
    • The new product from Hims & Hers Health costs $199 a month compared to over $950 for both Ozempic and Wegovy without insurance.
    • Hims & Hers is partnering with BPI Labs to get the compounds manufactured and customers can access the injectable medications beginning Monday.
    • CEO Andrew Dudum believes that millions of Americans who have obesity cannot access the care they deserve due to high costs, and Hims & Hers aims to pass savings onto consumers.
    • Hims & Hers stock surged by over 25% on Monday, adding about $800 million to the company’s valuation.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The article makes editorializing statements and uses sensational language to describe Hims & Hers' new product as a 'cheap copycat' of Ozempic. The author also implies that the company is attempting to 'undercut' Novo Nordisk, which is an opinionated statement. Additionally, the article selectively reports information by focusing on the discounted price of Hims & Hers' semaglutide injection and ignoring the fact that it requires a prescription and may not be covered by insurance. The article does not disclose any sources for its information.
    • The company has a cheap copycat for one of the world’s biggest blockbuster drugs: Ozempic.
    • The announcement clearly excited investors. Hims & Hers’ stock surged by more than 25% on Monday, adding about $800 million to the company’s valuation.
    • That’s a steep discount from branded versions of the hugely popular weight loss and diabetes medication: Without insurance, both Ozempic and Wegovy, a higher-dose semaglutide injection drug, cost more than $950 a month in the United States.
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains a few informal fallacies and an example of inflammatory rhetoric. It uses an exaggerated depiction of the shortage of GLP-1 medications to elicit sympathy for the company's cheaper alternative. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction of Novo Nordisk's branded offerings as overpriced and inaccessible versus Hims & Hers' affordable alternative.
    • The ongoing shortage of GLP-1 medications is placing an immense strain on the millions of Americans who have obesity, are looking for help, and cannot access the care that they deserve.
    • Drugs that currently cost thousands out of pocket for a monthly supply can be accessed for much, much less – and at Hims & Hers we believe those savings should be passed to consumers.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

77%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Another online pharmacy bypasses the FDA to offer cut-rate weight loss drugs

The Verge Elizabeth Lopatto Monday, 20 May 2024 17:23
  • Unique Points
    • Hims & Hers is offering copycat versions of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, including semaglutide, through compounding pharmacies.
    • These formulations haven't been directly evaluated by the FDA and aren't the same as FDA-approved versions.
    • Compounding pharmacies produce these drugs when branded GLP-1 drugs are in shortage.
    • Reports of adverse events have been received for compounded semaglutide versions by the FDA.
  • Accuracy
    • Hims & Hers is offering copycat versions of GLP-1 weight loss drugs through compounding pharmacies.
    • The copycat versions are cheaper than branded ones, costing $199 a month compared to over $1,000 without insurance.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article by Elizabeth Lopatto contains deception through selective reporting and sensationalism. The author focuses on the fact that Hims & Hers Health is offering cheaper versions of GLP-1 weight loss drugs without disclosing that these are compounded versions, which have not been directly evaluated by the FDA. The article also fails to mention that compounding pharmacies can produce these drugs when branded versions are in shortage. Furthermore, the author sensationalizes the situation by implying potential danger with phrases like 'but they’re cheaper than the real thing' and 'Hims & Hers says it will offer drugs that mimic Ozempic and Wegovy'. The article also implies that Hims & Hers is deceiving its customers, but there is no evidence provided to support this claim.
    • The copycat versions are made by compounding pharmacies.
    • But they’re cheaper than the real thing: $199 a month, compared to the branded version, which can cost more than $1,000 a month without insurance.
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by stating that the FDA has already received reports of adverse events for compounded versions of semaglutide. However, this does not necessarily mean that the compounded versions offered by Hims & Hers are unsafe or ineffective.
    • ]The FDA has already received reports of adverse events for compounded versions of semaglutide.[/
  • Bias (90%)
    The author expresses a negative opinion towards Hims & Hers Health for offering cheaper alternatives to FDA-approved weight loss drugs by using phrases like 'knockoff versions' and 'copycat versions'. This implies a bias against the company for providing affordable options to consumers.
    • Hims & Hers is now offering knockoff versions of GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
      • The formulations aren’t the same as the FDA-approved versions of the drug and haven’t been directly evaluated by the FDA, either.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      87%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      Shares of Hims & Hers Health surge 27% after startup says it will offer GLP-1 injections

      CNBC News Ashley Capoot, Monday, 20 May 2024 13:00
      • Unique Points
        • Hims & Hers Health is introducing access to compounded GLP-1 weight loss injections
        • Customers can access the compounded GLP-1 medications via a prescription from a licensed health-care provider on the Hims & Hers platform
        • Hims & Hers plans to make branded GLP-1 medications available to its customers once supply is consistently available
        • Patients should not use a compounded GLP-1 drug if an approved drug is available
        • Hims & Hers has spent the last year learning about the GLP-1 supply chain and has partnered with one of the largest generic manufacturers in the country that has FDA oversight
        • Hims & Hers has a certain degree of exclusivity with that facility to guarantee consistent volume and supply
      • Accuracy
        • Hims & Hers is introducing access to compounded GLP-1 weight loss injections
        • Shares of Hims & Hers closed up more than 27% Monday
        • GLP-1 medications were not previously offered as part of Hims & Hers weight loss program
        • Oral medication kits at Hims & Hers start at $79 a month, and compounded GLP-1 injections will start at $199 a month
        • Hims & Hers expects its weight loss program to bring in more than $100 million in revenue by the end of 2025
        • GLP-1s mimic a hormone produced in the gut to tamp down appetite and regulate blood sugar
      • Deception (50%)
        The article is deceptive in its omission of the fact that compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved and have potential safety concerns. It also implies that Hims & Hers has a consistent supply of these medications when it's unclear if this will be the case.
        • The article fails to mention that compounded GLP-1 medications are custom-made alternatives to brand drugs designed to meet a specific patient's needs and have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety and efficacy.
      • Fallacies (95%)
        The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when the authors state 'Hims & Hers CEO Andrew Dudum told CNBC that the company is "confident" that customers will be able to access a consistent supply of the compounded medications.' This statement implies that because the CEO of Hims & Hers has made this claim, it must be true. However, there is no evidence provided in the article to support this claim beyond the author's assertion.
        • Hims & Hers CEO Andrew Dudum told CNBC that the company is "confident" that customers will be able to access a consistent supply of the compounded medications.
      • Bias (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication