Hims & Hers Health Inc. (HIMS) stock plummeted 5.10% during intraday trading on Tuesday, extending recent losses as the telehealth company faces a patent infringement lawsuit from Novo Nordisk and regulatory pressure over its compounded weight-loss drug.
The decline follows Novo Nordisk's lawsuit filed on Monday, alleging that Hims infringed patents for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo's blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy. Hims had launched a $49 compounded version of the medication last week but reversed the launch over the weekend after legal threats from Novo and scrutiny from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Analysts have responded by cutting price targets on Hims shares, citing increased legal risks. Deutsche Bank reduced its target to $31 from $42, while Canaccord Genuity slashed its target to $30 from $68, though maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. The legal battle represents a significant challenge for Hims as it expands in the weight-loss market.