Lilly Threatens Copycat Drug Makers After Zepbound Shortage (1)

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.

Patients around the world have been clamoring for drugs made by Lilly and Novo Nordisk A/S that can help them shed dozens of pounds. The Food and Drug Administration had ...