On Thursday, Eli Lilly and Co. issued a warning against the non-medical use of its popular diabetes and weight loss drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, due to a surge in demand leading to nationwide shortages. The pharmaceutical company emphasized that these drugs, classified as GLP-1s, are intended for treating serious conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity, not for cosmetic weight loss purposes.
In an open letter dated January 4, Eli Lilly stressed that Mounjaro, approved in the spring of 2022, is designated for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound, approved in late 2023, is intended for those with obesity or who are overweight with an additional chronic condition. Both drugs, sold in single-dose pens or vials, come with a significant cost, exceeding a thousand dollars per fill without insurance, and carry potential side effects like thyroid tumors, stomach issues, and gallbladder problems.
Anat Ashkenazi, Eli Lilly’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, highlighted that over 110 million U.S. patients live with obesity, resulting in more than 200 associated health complications.
As the demand for weight loss drugs rises, driven by influencers and celebrities, Eli Lilly also expressed concerns about counterfeit products in the market. The company specifically warned against brands falsely claiming to contain tirzepatide, a key component in Zepbound. Eli Lilly emphasized that only Zepbound is authorized by the U.S. FDA to use tirzepatide, and using counterfeit products could pose serious health risks, including high impurity levels and instances where the product was nothing more than sugar alcohol.
In response to the growing issue of counterfeit drugs, Eli Lilly filed legal action against wellness centers and medical spas falsely advertising and producing products imitating tirzepatide and other counterfeit sources fraudulently claiming to sell Mounjaro, Zepbound, or tirzepatide medicines.
The weight loss marketplace is anticipated to potentially reach $77 billion globally within a decade, according to research from Morgan Stanley.