Novo Nordisk is suing Eli Lilly in federal court in New Jersey, alleging that Lilly’s nationwide advertisements for its weight-loss and diabetes medicines are false and materially misleading. Novo says Lilly’s ads for Zepbound and Mounjaro rely on outdated clinical trial data, including comparisons that use Lilly’s highest doses against lower doses of Novo’s Wegovy and Ozempic. Novo argues that the studies selected by Lilly omit newer or higher-dose information and therefore can mislead consumers about relative effectiveness.
Multiple outlets report Novo’s claim that Lilly’s promotional materials do not account for more recent dosing or study results, and that Lilly excludes information Novo says is relevant to weigh current products fairly. Novo also contends there is no head-to-head trial comparing the highest approved doses of the two companies’ drugs, making the advertising comparisons improper.
Novo is seeking court action to stop the ads, including a request for an immediate blocking or injunction, as well as corrective measures if Lilly does not withdraw the challenged advertisements voluntarily. The dispute unfolds as both companies compete for market share in the rapidly growing GLP-1 drug category.
