Lilly Takes Legal Action Against Two Medical Spas for Selling Unapproved Tirzepatide Products
Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical giant behind the popular weight-loss drug Zepbound, announced on Monday that it has filed lawsuits against two medical spas, Thrive Health and Wellness LLC and Valhalla Vitality LLC, for selling unapproved weight-loss products containing tirzepatide, the active ingredient in its drug. Lilly alleges that the spas have been making false claims about the efficacy, safety, and purity of the drugs they are selling.
The two spas are accused of offering compounded versions of tirzepatide, which they claim are effective in promoting weight loss and improving blood sugar levels. Lilly asserts that these claims are unsubstantiated and that the products are not approved by the FDA. The lawsuit against Thrive Health was filed in Colorado, while the lawsuit against Valhalla Vitality was filed in the Eastern District of New York.
According to Lilly, Thrive Health’s website and marketing materials suggest that its compounded drug, “MEGALean – Premium Tirzepatide Injections,” is clinically tested to aid in weight loss and improve blood sugar levels, which the company disputes. Similarly, Valhalla’s advertising promotes its compounded tirzepatide product as being proven safe and effective for weight loss, claims that Lilly argues are misleading.
Lilly, based in Indianapolis, has already taken legal action against over two dozen other medical spas, wellness centers, and compounding pharmacies that have marketed unapproved drugs containing tirzepatide. The medication is also approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro.
Federal regulations permit the sale of compounded drugs to meet patient demand if a drug is in short supply. However, Lilly argues that these unapproved versions of tirzepatide are being marketed in ways that could mislead consumers and compromise patient safety.
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