Four American compounders who were selling unapproved products containing tirzepatide are being sued by Eli Lilly, which is accusing them off selling the knockoffs – including versions with additives or in oral form – without clinical evidence of safety or effectiveness.
Reuters reports that last month, a US judge blocked pharmacies from making copies of Lilly’s weight-loss and diabetes medicines. Until recently, compounders were permitted allowed to produce copies of obesity drugs only while the FDA classified them as being in shortage – under rules that permit such manufacturing only during supply gaps.
Tirzepatide is the main ingredient in Lilly’s weight-loss and diabetes medicines, including the blockbuster Mounjaro.
The lawsuits, to be filed in California, name Mochi Health Corp, Fella Health and Delilah, Willow Health Services, and Henry Meds.
Lilly has already sued more than two dozen medical spas, wellness centres and compounding pharmacies for selling products claiming to contain tirzepatide.
Earlier this month, it sued two other compounders and said it would send about 50 cease and desist letters, asking companies to confirm they have already ceased mass compounding.
Compounding facilities create medicines by combining, mixing or altering drug ingredients.
Reuters article – Lilly sues four compounders over copies of weight-loss drugs (Open access)
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