Posted by Matias Molina.
Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical corporation, is suing Wells Pharmacy and Brooksville Pharmaceuticals, two pharmacies. These pharmacies, according to Novo Nordisk, are selling “adulterated and misbranded injectable compounded drugs” that purport to include semaglutide. The active component of well-known weight-loss medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic is semaglutide. Novo Nordisk is concerned that patients may be at danger from these compounded medications, and they have noted reports of side effects that some patients have experienced.
According to Novo Nordisk employee Jason Brett, their testing of these compounded medications revealed some concerning results. In one sample, there was 33% of something that shouldn’t have been there, which could put patients at risk. Dr. Christopher McGowan discusses a poorly regulated segment of the medical industry in which pharmaceutical compounds are manufactured in a manner distinct from that of FDA-approved versions. He claims that people may be at risk from this. By suing these pharmacies, Novo Nordisk is attempting to prevent them from selling these compounded medications. Additionally, they want to prevent Wells Pharmacy from misrepresenting the FDA approval status of their medication, among other things. In contrast to Novo Nordisk, Brooksville Pharmaceuticals claims their product is both safe and efficient. They contend that, like themselves, state-licensed compounding pharmacies are vital to the supply of essential pharmaceuticals to Americans.
This case, in my opinion, shows how challenging it is to ensure that compounded medications are both safe and effective. People may select these options without realizing they could be dangerous, particularly in cases when there is a significant demand for medications that aid in weight loss. The legal action taken by Novo Nordisk emphasizes the necessity of stringent regulations to protect the public’s health and ensure the reliability of medicines that have been licensed.
Matias is a sports management major at the Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall University, Class of 2026.
Link: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/novo-nordisk-takes-legal-action-against-pharmacies-sellig-weight-loss-drugs-that-are-not-fda-approved