Hims & Hers launches GLP-1 drug shortage tracker

Hims & Hers (NYSE:HIMS) has launched an online GLP-1 supply tracker where people can share information about where the popular weight-loss drugs are in short supply.

The company said around 80,000 users of the tracker have reported they were unable to access branded versions of the drugs, with Novo Nordisk’s (NVO) semaglutide reported the most difficult to obtain, according to a statement.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) markets semaglutide as Ozempic for the treatment of diabetes and as Wegovy for weight loss. Semaglutide’s biggest rival, Eli Lilly’s (LLY) tirzepatide, is marketed for diabetes as Mounjaro and for weight loss as Zepbound.

Hims & Hers (NYSE:HIMS) currently markets a compounded version of semaglutide for weight loss through its website. The FDA allows companies to produce and market compounded versions of drugs if they have been determined to be in short supply.

Hims & Hers (HIMS) said it has been communicating information compiled through the tracker to state and federal agencies. It added that nearly 30% of its weight-loss customers have reported not being able to fill their GLP-1 prescriptions due to lack of availability.

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide have been in short supply for months. The FDA recently removed tirzepatide off its official drug shortage list. While semaglutide remains on the list, the FDA’s website indicates all doses of Wegovy are available.

In October, Novo Nordisk (NVO) asked the FDA to have semaglutide placed on the Demonstrable Difficulties for Compounding List, arguing that compounded versions pose safety risks.