Lilly Sues Pharmacies for Compounding Zepbound and Mounjaro

Lawsuit Claims Pharmacies are Skirting FDA Ban and Luring Patients Away from FDA-Approved Treatments

Eli Lilly is suing two pharmacies, Strive Pharmacy and Empower Pharmacy, for compounding Zepbound and Mounjaro, claiming that the companies are falsely marketing their products as personalized versions of the drugs. The lawsuit alleges that these claims are turning people towards compounded drugs and away from Lilly’s FDA-approved treatments.

Background on Compounding Pharmacies and FDA Regulations

Compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities were largely supposed to stop making their own versions of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Lilly’s weight-loss drug Zepbound and diabetes treatment Mounjaro, last month after the FDA determined the branded versions were no longer in shortage. Some continued compounding, tweaking the dosages and combining them with vitamins, distinctions that make them different from Lilly’s drugs and potentially allow them to skirt the FDA’s ban.

Lilly’s Allegations

Lilly argues that Strive and Empower are merely mass producing altered versions of tirzepatide rather than personalizing them. Branded drugs are allowed to be compounded at large scale when they’re in shortage. Outside of that, custom versions can be made for unique situations, like if a person is allergic to an ingredient or can’t take the form of the drug it’s normally sold in.

Reactions from Pharmacies and Telehealth Sites

Strive and Empower have responded to the lawsuit, with Strive calling Lilly’s lawsuit a classic example of Big Pharma overstepping legitimate regulations to prioritize its own interests. Empower, on the other hand, stated that restricting access to personalized alternatives to commercial drugs is not in the best interest of patients. Telehealth sites like Mochi Health and Lavender Sky Health have also issued statements, with Mochi expressing confidence in the integrity of its clinical approach and Lavender Sky Health not responding to a request for comment.

Conclusion

This lawsuit will be the first test of Lilly’s ability to take on compounding pharmacies in court now that Zepbound and Mounjaro are off the FDA’s shortage list. The outcome of this case will provide a roadmap for other pharmaceutical companies, such as Novo Nordisk, whose drugs can also be compounded after the end of May.

FAQs

Q: What is compounding?
A: Compounding is the process of customizing a drug to meet an individual patient’s needs.

Q: Why is Lilly suing Strive and Empower?
A: Lilly is suing Strive and Empower for allegedly skirting the FDA’s ban on compounding and luring patients away from FDA-approved treatments.

Q: What is the FDA’s stance on compounding?
A: The FDA has determined that branded versions of tirzepatide are no longer in shortage, and therefore, compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities are no longer allowed to make their own versions of the drug.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is a serious occupational phenomenon that requires immediate attention. With the increasing demands of worklife, it’s no surprise that many employees are struggling to maintain a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives. As a result, the risk of burnout and stress is on the rise. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of achieving work-life balance, the warning signs of burnout, and provide practical tips for reducing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Importance of Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a state of equilibrium where an individual’s personal and professional life coexist in harmony. When an individual achieves a good balance between their work and personal life, they tend to be more productive, happy, and fulfilled. On the other hand, neglecting one’s personal life can lead to burnout, which can have severe consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Warning Signs of Burnout

Burnout is a gradual process, and it’s essential to recognize the warning signs to prevent it. Some common symptoms of burnout include:

• Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
• Increased irritability and mood swings
• Loss of motivation and interest in work or personal activities
• Increased absenteeism or tardiness
• Reduced productivity and performance
• Increased substance abuse or addiction

Practical Tips for Reducing Stress and Burnout

Here are some practical tips for reducing stress and burnout, and achieving a better work-life balance:

Schedule Self-Care

Schedule time for self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Treat these activities as non-negotiable appointments to ensure you prioritize your well-being.

Set Boundaries

Learn to set healthy boundaries at work and in your personal life. This includes setting realistic expectations, prioritizing tasks, and learning to say “no” when necessary.

Communicate with Your Employer and Colleagues

Communicate your needs and concerns with your employer and colleagues. This includes requesting flexible working hours, taking regular breaks, and seeking support from colleagues when needed.

Practice Time Management

Effective time management is crucial for achieving a better work-life balance. Prioritize tasks, break them down into smaller chunks, and take regular breaks to avoid burnout.

Disconnect from Work

Make a conscious effort to disconnect from work-related activities outside of work hours. Avoid checking work emails or taking work calls during your personal time to maintain a healthy separation between work and personal life.

Conclusion

Achieving work-life balance is essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. By recognizing the warning signs of burnout, scheduling self-care, setting boundaries, communicating with your employer and colleagues, practicing time management, and disconnecting from work, you can reduce stress and burnout, and achieve a better balance between your work and personal life.

FAQs

Q: What are the common causes of burnout?

A: Common causes of burnout include chronic stress, lack of control, lack of social support, and poor work-life balance.

Q: How can I achieve a better work-life balance?

A: To achieve a better work-life balance, prioritize self-care, set healthy boundaries, communicate with your employer and colleagues, practice time management, and disconnect from work outside of work hours.

Q: What are the consequences of burnout?

A: The consequences of burnout can be severe, including decreased productivity, reduced job satisfaction, and increased absenteeism or tardiness, as well as negative impacts on physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Q: How can I prevent burnout?

A: To prevent burnout, recognize the warning signs, prioritize self-care, set healthy boundaries, communicate with your employer and colleagues, practice time management, and disconnect from work outside of work hours.

Q: What are some signs that I’m experiencing burnout?

A: Common signs of burnout include chronic fatigue and exhaustion, increased irritability and mood swings, loss of motivation and interest in work or personal activities, increased absenteeism or tardiness, reduced productivity and performance, and increased substance abuse or addiction.

Ford Reports Slight Decline in First-Quarter U.S. Vehicle Sales

Ford’s First Quarter Sales

Ford Motor reported a 1.3% decline in its first-quarter U.S. vehicle sales, compared to the same period a year earlier. This decline is largely attributed to the discontinuation of its Ford Edge SUV, which was made in Canada. Sales of the vehicle were down 94% as dealers sell off the remaining inventory.

Retail Sales

Despite the overall decline in sales, Ford’s retail sales, which exclude its fleet business, were up 5% year-over-year. This increase was driven by a 19% increase in March, Ford said.

Impact of Auto Tariffs

The sales results come ahead of tariffs ordered by President Donald Trump taking effect this week, including 25% levies on imported vehicles starting Thursday. The auto industry is also awaiting announcements of potential additional "reciprocal" tariffs that could affect automakers on Wednesday.

Industry Forecast

J.D. Power last week forecast robust industry sales for March as consumers flocked to dealerships to purchase a new vehicle to avoid any potential increase in prices due to tariffs. "The 13% year-over-year retail sales increase is particularly strong, enabled by consumers accelerating purchases to avoid potential tariff-related price increases," said Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at J.D. Power. "While the tariff situation remains both fluid and uncertain, the prospect of tariffs is already beginning to affect the industry."

Industry Expectations

Auto industry forecasters expected first-quarter vehicle sales overall to grow year over year by 1% or less as prices rise and automakers and dealers dial back sales incentives.

Conclusion

Ford’s first-quarter U.S. vehicle sales declined slightly, while its retail sales showed an increase. The auto industry is bracing for the impacts of President Trump’s auto tariffs, which are set to take effect this week. The industry is also awaiting additional announcements of potential "reciprocal" tariffs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the decline in Ford’s first-quarter U.S. vehicle sales?
A: 1.3%

Q: What was the reason for the decline in sales?
A: Discontinuation of Ford Edge SUV and its remaining inventory

Q: What was the increase in Ford’s retail sales?
A: 5%

Q: What is the impact of auto tariffs on the industry?
A: The prospect of tariffs is already beginning to affect the industry, with consumers flocking to dealerships to purchase a new vehicle to avoid potential price increases.