Eli Lilly Sues Two Compounders Over Weight-Loss Drug Copies

Eli Lilly (Lilly) has sued two compounders, Strive Pharmacy LLC (Strive) and Empower Clinic Services LLC (Empower), for selling unapproved compounded tirzepatide, the main ingredient in Lilly’s popular weight-loss and diabetes medication

Compounders like Strive and Empower were allowed to produce copies of obesity drugs while the FDA said there was a drug shortage. However, once the shortage ended, compounders were not allowed to sell unapproved products which contain tirzepatide.

In the new lawsuits, Lilly alleges that Strive and Empower were selling unapproved compounded drugs and making false claims about efficacy and safety. Lilly alleges Strive’s tirzepatide compounded products are mixed with B12 or glycine, and Strive is falsely suggesting these products are safer and more effective that FDA approved tirzepatide.

Similarly, Empower, which offers a compounded version with a form of vitamin B3, was noted to falsely suggest its products efficacy, by citing Lilly’s tirzepatide clinical studies.

Both Lilly, and Novo Nordisk, which also has sent out similar cease and desist orders regarding its product, semaglutide, continue argue that compounded versions of trizepatide and semaglutide are unapproved, unsafe and legal restricted now that the shortage has been resolved.

Baer Law is experienced in handling cases regarding GLP-1 compounding and will keep you abreast of the litigation and changes. Contact Baer Law with any questions.