Lilly Strikes Back
Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has filed lawsuits against four telehealth startups for reportedly misrepresenting tirzepatide-based weight loss treatments. In particular, the lawsuit names Mochi Health, Fella & Delilah Health, Willow Health Services, and Henry Meds.
According to Lilly, these companies marketed and sold illegal versions of the drug, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound. Furthermore, Lilly claims the defendants violated not just federal drug laws, but patient trust, as well.
Court filings state that Mochi Health and the other companies compounded tirzepatide in large quantities and promoted it as safe and legal. But Lilly alleges that they bypassed FDA regulations.
As a result, it seeks to stop their operations by filing complaints in Florida and Indiana. Correspondingly, Lilly emphasized that only products with FDA approval can guarantee quality and safety.
Mochi Health Faces Scrutiny
Among the companies facing lawsuits, Mochi Health stands out. Lilly’s complaint says Mochi compounded tirzepatide with additives like niacinamide and pyridoxine, two forms of vitamin B.
These additives, according to Lilly, have not undergone testing for safety in combination with tirzepatide. Furthermore, the lawsuit claims Mochi Health’s practices put corporate profits ahead of individual patient care.
As a result, Mochi Health now finds itself at the center of a legal firestorm. The company marketed its version of tirzepatide as affordable and accessible weight-loss support. Yet Lilly argues this undermines the legitimacy of FDA approval. In addition, it maintains that all patients deserve treatments backed that have gone through rigorous testing.
Legal End for Compounding
Previously, a national tirzepatide shortage allowed pharmacies such as Mochi Health to compound the drug legally. However, that changed in April when the FDA declared the shortage over. Thus, compounding may now violate federal law. Correspondingly, Lilly argues that all compounded tirzepatide after this point is illegal.
Compounding pharmacies, on the other hand, insist they are meeting patient needs. They claim the FDA’s decision was premature. Still, Lilly is pushing forward, as it believes only strict legal action will protect public health.
“FDA and a federal court have both made clear that compounders ‘must cease production’ of compounded tirzepatide knockoffs, and anyone continuing to sell mass compounded tirzepatide is breaking the law and deceiving patients,” remarked an Eli Lilly spokesperson.
“We will continue to take action to stop those who threaten patient safety and urgently call on regulators and law enforcement to do the same.”
Broader Crackdown Underway
Importantly, this lawsuit is not an isolated move. Apart from Mochi Health, Lilly has sued over two dozen other providers of compounded GLP-1 medications. In addition, it has sent nearly 50 cease and desist letters across the country.
Overall, this signals a wider crackdown on deceptive drug marketing. Clearly, the pressure is building across the telehealth landscape.
Mochi Health Responds Publicly
Mochi Health released a statement defending its approach to obesity care. It claims that licensed professionals legally prescirbed its compounded medications.
Moreover, the company says it tailors treatment to individual patient needs, an FDA exemption under non-shortage conditions. Additionally, Mochi insists its practices prioritize safety and affordability.
