Hims & Hers Announces Major Expansion to Canada and Faces Controversy with Novo Nordisk

Hims & Hers Plans 2026 Expansion to Canada Following ZAVA Acquisition

Hims & Hers Health, Inc., a leading digital health and wellness company, recently announced plans to expand its affordable, holistic weight loss program to Canada in 2026. This expansion follows the closing of its acquisition of ZAVA, a prominent European digital health platform.

Canada has a significant portion of adults—almost two-thirds—who are overweight or living with obesity, yet access to effective treatments has been limited due to cost and availability barriers. With the anticipated first-ever availability of generic semaglutide globally, a breakthrough moment for affordability is on the horizon. Hims & Hers intends to provide access to this lower-cost generic treatment through its platform, complemented by 24/7 access to licensed providers and personalized care plans.

Andrew Dudum, Co-founder and CEO of Hims & Hers, emphasized that the company’s mission is to make affordable, trusted, and personalized weight loss care accessible at scale in Canada. The launch aims to strengthen the healthcare system and improve the lives of millions of Canadians.

Controversy: Novo Nordisk Ends Wegovy Partnership with Hims & Hers

In a significant setback, Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk terminated its collaboration with Hims & Hers concerning the weight loss drug Wegovy. Novo Nordisk accused Hims & Hers of engaging in deceptive marketing practices and selling illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy, which allegedly put patient safety at risk.

This move came only two months after the companies announced a long-term collaboration to increase access to obesity treatment. Following the announcement, Hims & Hers share prices dropped sharply, reflecting investor concerns.

Despite the controversy, Novo Nordisk will continue to sell Wegovy through other telehealth platforms that comply with their safety standards. This development poses challenges for Hims & Hers, who had projected significant revenue growth from weight-loss services this year.

Summary

Hims & Hers is poised for substantial growth with its planned Canadian expansion, leveraging its recent acquisition of ZAVA and new access to generic weight-loss drugs. However, challenges remain due to the termination of its partnership with Novo Nordisk over allegations of illegal practices. The company’s ability to navigate this controversy while expanding internationally will be critical to its future prospects.