Eli Lilly Launches Telehealth Platform Amid Surge in Demand for Weight Loss Drugs

The pharmaceutical giant warns against cosmetic use of its drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound, takes legal action against counterfeit sellers.

Eli Lilly has launched LillyDirect, a telehealth platform that connects patients with healthcare providers and offers home delivery of select medications, including weight loss drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound.
The company has warned against the use of these drugs for cosmetic weight loss, emphasizing that they are approved for the treatment of serious diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Eli Lilly has also expressed concern over the safety risks of using compounded tirzepatide, the active ingredient in both Mounjaro and Zepbound, and has taken legal action against wellness centers and medical spas selling counterfeit versions of these drugs.
The launch of LillyDirect comes amid a surge in popularity for weight loss drugs and a growing trend towards telehealth services, particularly for chronic disease management.
Despite the convenience offered by the platform, patients will not receive any discounts for these drugs, which cost over a thousand dollars per fill without insurance.