US judge won't block Eli Lilly ads for weight-loss drugs, rules against Novo Nordisk
NVO•A US judge rejected Novo Nordisk’s request to block Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug advertisements while their lawsuit proceeds, finding the company’s claim of irreparable harm inadequate for an injunction.
1. Injunction rejected
US District Judge Zahid Quraishi in Trenton, New Jersey, denied Novo Nordisk’s request for a preliminary injunction against Eli Lilly’s advertisements. Novo Nordisk had argued that ads comparing higher doses of Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro with lower doses of Wegovy and Ozempic were false and misleading; Eli Lilly denied wrongdoing.
2. Market background
Novo Nordisk sued Eli Lilly in July, alleging false advertising and unfair competition. The ruling followed a hearing on August 27 and 28. Novo Nordisk is working to regain US market share for its injectable obesity drugs, in a market projected to exceed $100 billion by the end of the decade.
