Denmark-based Novo Nordisk filed multiple lawsuits June 20 against spas and clinics across four states that allegedly marketed and sold unapproved compounded versions of the drugmaker's popular Ozempic and Wegovy products.
For alleged copycats, Novo Nordisk filed litigation against Champion Health and Wellness Clinics in Houston; Pro Health Investments in Memphis, Tenn.; Ekzotika's Cosmetic Laser Professionals Med Spa in Miami; Effinger Health's Nuvida RX Weight Loss clinic in Tallahassee, Fla.; and Flawless Image Medical Aesthetics operating in East Syracuse, N.Y.
Ozempic, a Type 2 diabetes drug, and Wegovy, a weight-loss management therapy, have the same active ingredient: semaglutide. Novo Nordisk accused the clinics and spas of infringing on its trademarks, false advertising and unfair competition, according to court documents.
Some states — none of which have seen a suit from Novo Nordisk on this matter — are working to prevent pharmacies from compounding unauthorized solutions of Ozempic and Wegovy because of safety concerns.
The drugmaker requested the courts order the businesses to stop promoting their products as Wegovy and Ozempic solutions.