Eli Lilly sues entities selling unapproved retatrutide obesity shots

Eli Lilly has filed six new lawsuits against various compounding pharmacies, medical spas, and online sellers for selling unapproved versions of the experimental obesity drug retatrutide. The company has also referred over 200 entities to the FDA, the Justice Department, and law enforcement, flagging more than 14,000 illegal advertisements and product listings globally.

Retatrutide is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for obesity and type 2 diabetes and has not received regulatory approval for human use. Because it is unapproved, products sold outside of regulated clinical trials lack verified identity, purity, strength, and authorized dosing instructions. The FDA has stated that the sale of unapproved retatrutide to consumers is illegal.

Medical professionals emphasize that weight management injections should be used under clinical supervision. Proper candidacy typically involves adults with obesity or overweight individuals with weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea, who require a supervised plan involving nutrition and behavioral support rather than just online prescriptions.