The maker of Ozempic and Wegovy is suing a rival firm for selling what it says are "unsafe, knock-off" versions of its weight-loss drugs in the US.

Danish company Novo Nordisk asked US courts on Monday to ban Hims & Hers' range of weight-loss pills and injections, which it says are not approved by US authorities and infringe on its patent.

The legal drama began on Friday after Hims & Hers launched a new weight-loss pill, leading to an initial threat from Novo Nordisk.

Over the weekend, Hims & Hers said it would stop selling the pill. On Monday, its share price slumped as it called Novo Nordisk's decision to press ahead with the lawsuit a "blatant attack".

Hims & Hers shares closed down 16% on Monday, while Novo Nordisk's share price nudged up early on Tuesday.