Novo Nordisk Faces GLP-1 Antitrust Lawsuit Over Ozempic

GLP-1 Antitrust Lawsuit Targets Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly

Compounding pharmacy Strive Specialties filed a federal lawsuit against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in San Antonio, Texas. The suit alleges the companies illegally blocked access to customized, lower-cost versions of their popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.

Allegations of Market Monopoly

Strive claims Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly leveraged their dominance to prevent patients from obtaining compounded alternatives to medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Key accusations include:

• Striking exclusive deals with major telehealth platforms, stopping doctors from prescribing compounded GLP-1s even for tailored doses.
• Interfering with relationships between compounders, payment processors, and tech partners.
• Limiting options during drug shortages, despite compounders filling the gap.

The pharmacy argues these actions kept patients reliant on brand-name drugs.

What Strive Seeks from the Court

Strive demands monetary damages and a court order to halt enforcement of the alleged exclusivity agreements. This could expand access to compounded GLP-1 medications for weight management.

Novo Nordisk's Response

Novo Nordisk stated, "the claims in this litigation are without merit, and we will vigorously defend against them in court." The company maintains its practices comply with regulations.