An injection pen of Zepbound, Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, is displayed in New York City on Dec. 11, 2023.
The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday said the active ingredient in Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound is no longer in shortage, a decision that will eventually bar compounding pharmacies from making cheaper, unbranded versions of the injection.
Zepbound and other weight loss drugs are not covered by many insurance plans, but Eli Lilly's diabetes counterpart Mounjaro is.
It's the latest in a high-stakes dispute between compounding pharmacies and the FDA over a shortage of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in both Zepbound and Mounjaro.
When a brand-name medication is in shortage, compounding pharmacies can prepare copies of the drug if they meet certain requirements under federal law.
Persons:
Eli Lilly’s, Eli Lilly's, Zepbound, Eli, Mounjaro, Eli Lilly, Association —
Organizations:
Drug Administration, FDA, Association
Locations:
New York City