Copycat weight-loss drugs: Eli Lilly sues two medical spas

Two medical spas have been sued by Eli Lilly for selling unapproved products that claim to contain tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is the main ingredient in Zepbound, Lilly's famous weight-loss medicine.

Thrive Health and Wellness LLC and Valhalla Vitality LLC were selling unapproved drugs and making false claims about efficacy, purity or safety.

The companies sell products that they say contain tirzepatide, according to the filings. The two companies did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Read also: CDSCO Panel Approves Eli Lilly's Protocol Amendment Proposal for Antidiabetic Drug Retatrutide study

The complaint against Thrive was filed in the district court of Colorado and the complaint against Valhalla was filed in the Eastern District of New York.

Lilly said Thrive has designed its website and advertising materials to communicate that its compounded drug, "MEGALean - Premium Tirzepatide Injections", is clinically tested to facilitate weight loss and improve blood sugar levels.

The drugmaker said Valhalla's website and advertising materials imply that its compounded version of tirzepatide has been proven safe and effective for weight loss.

Read also: CDSCO Panel Approves Eli Lilly's Protocol Amendment proposal to study Anti-cancer Drug LY3537982

Indianapolis-based Lilly has already sued more than two dozen medical spas, wellness centers and compounding pharmacies for selling products claiming to contain tirzepatide, which is also approved to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro.

Compounding facilities create medicines by combining, mixing or altering drug ingredients. Federal regulations allow compounded versions to be sold to meet demand if a drug is in short supply.

Read also: Eli Lilly to acquire Scorpion Therapeutics mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor program