Weight loss drug maker Eli Lilly has filed a lawsuit against 10 medical spas, wellness clinics and pharmacies for selling unauthorized versions of its diabetes drug Munjaro.
A lawsuit has been filed in federal court in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Minnesota, South Carolina, and Utah. CNBC reported. Eli Lilly alleges in its lawsuit that the company sells a “combination” drug that it claims contains tirzepatide, Mounjaro’s active ingredient.
The drug is currently in short supply due to rapidly increasing demand for its off-label use as a weight loss drug.
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“Lily filed this lawsuit to protect patients.” The drug company said in a statement: “Lilly cannot verify the safety or effectiveness of products claiming to contain tirzepatide that are not private label products. For this reason, Lilly cannot verify the safety or effectiveness of products that claim to contain tirzepatide. filed suit to stop the illegal marketing and sale of an FDA-unapproved combination product falsely claiming to be Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
“These companies should stop offering their medicines in violation of consumer protection laws, especially when they promise patients that their medicines offer the same safety profile and clinical benefits as Mounjaro.” the company added.
This lawsuit alleges trademark infringement. False advertising or unfair competition.
Mounjaro is available in prefilled, single-dose pens and is currently approved only for type 2 diabetes.
