Pharmaceutical Giant Takes Legal Action Against Telehealth Firms Over Weight Loss Drug

A major pharmaceutical company is taking legal action against several telehealth companies for allegedly selling unauthorized versions of a popular weight loss drug. This drug, known for its active ingredient, has been in high demand. The company behind the drug, Eli Lilly, is suing four telehealth firms. These firms are accused of selling copies of the drug made by special pharmacies called compounding pharmacies. Compounding pharmacies are allowed to create custom drugs for patients with specific needs, such as allergies to certain preservatives. However, the law prohibits them from making exact copies of commercially available drugs. The active ingredient in the weight loss drug was in short supply for two years. During this time, compounding pharmacies filled the gap for patients who couldn't find the brand name drug or afford its high cost. The price difference is significant. The branded drug costs over $1, 086. 37 per month, while the compounded version can be as low as $99 per month. Now that the shortage is over, Eli Lilly is cracking down on companies that continue to sell these compounded versions. The company has filed lawsuits against Mochi Health, Willow Health, Fella Health, Delilah, and Henry Meds. Eli Lilly accuses these telehealth companies of deceiving patients and threatening their safety. For example, Mochi Health is alleged to have switched patients to compounded tirzepatide with different additives and doses. Henry Meds is accused of improperly referencing Lilly's approved drugs and clinical trials to sell more compounded versions. Fella Health is also accused of selling tirzepatide in pill form, which has never been approved by the FDA. The lawsuit against Willow Health claims that the company falsely claimed to have developed the first "cosmetic" GLP-1. The FDA has never approved any form of tirzepatide for cosmetic weight loss. Eli Lilly makes the only FDA-approved tirzepatide. The telehealth companies have not responded to requests for comment. Eli Lilly has also sued two compounding pharmacies, Strive and Empower. Strive plans to fight back, while Empower stands by its mission. The Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, an advocacy group, declined to comment on the specific suits but noted that compounders only produce drugs when a prescriber sends a prescription. The outcome of these lawsuits will likely shape the future of compounding pharmacies and their role in drug shortages.