U.S.-based pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has sued four telehealth companies, Mochi Health, Fella Health, Willow Health, and Henry Meds, for selling compounded versions of its drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro. Lilly alleges the companies deceive consumers by marketing “untested, unapproved drugs” and steering patients away from its FDA-approved treatments. Furthermore, the lawsuits claim these platforms falsely promote mass-marketed versions as personalized care to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, Lilly asserts that some companies offer unstudied formulations, including oral tablets and drops, which differ from the original injections. Mochi Health stated its model “remains compliant with FDA guidance and pharmacy regulations,” while Fella Health, Willow Health, and Henry Meds have not responded. The compounding of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro, initially surged when Mounjaro faced shortages. Although the FDA later declared the shortage over, some pharmacies and telehealth companies continued compounding slightly modified versions to remain operational.
In its filing, Lilly claims Mochi Health’s CEO, Myra Ahmad, is not a licensed physician and that the company’s “unlicensed owners exercise undue influence and control over, among other things, the prescribing decisions of physicians.” Ahmad responded that compounded medications “remain appropriate and legal when tailored to individual patient needs and prescribed by a licensed medical provider.” Lilly also accuses Fella Health of making “sweeping corporate decisions that dictate patient care,” including mass-switching patients to formulations with additives. The lawsuits aim to stop all four companies from marketing or selling compounded tirzepatide. However, court proceedings could take months or longer, keeping the battle over compounded weight loss and diabetes drugs ongoing.
