Lilly Threatens Copycat Drug Makers After Zepbound Shortage

  • Company is sending hundreds of cease-and-desist letters
  • Shortage of Lilly’s Mounjaro, Zepbound ended last week
Eli Lilly & Co.'s Zepbound obesity drug.Photographer: Shelby Knowles/Bloomberg
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Eli Lilly & Co. is ramping up its legal campaign against companies that were temporarily allowed to make and sell copycat versions of its blockbuster drugs used for weight loss until a US shortage ended last week.

The drugmaker said it’s sending hundreds of cease-and-desist letters Thursday to telehealth companies, compounding pharmacies and medical spas, demanding that they stop making, selling and promoting products that mimic Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound.