STAT+: Novo Nordisk sues Eli Lilly over GLP-1 drug ads it calls ‘deceptive’

STAT PlusPharmalot Novo Nordisk sues Eli Lilly over GLP-1 drug ads it calls ‘deceptive’ Lawsuit marks new phase in one of the pharmaceutical industry’s most intense rivalries Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed Silverman and Elaine ChenJuly 21, 2026 Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter.Elaine Chen[email protected]Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Novo Nordisk on Tuesday sued Eli Lilly for allegedly running a “deceptive” ad campaign that uses “outdated clinical trials” to make its obesity and diabetes drugs appear more effective, marking a new phase in one of the pharmaceutical industry’s most intense rivalries. In a lawsuit filed in federal court in New Jersey, Novo argued that Lilly has been comparing the highest doses of its weight loss drug Zepbound and diabetes drug Mounjaro with lower doses of Novo’s Wegovy and Ozempic.Advertisement “What has brought us to this moment is what we now see as a nationwide pattern, by Lilly, of deceptive advertising. They are intentionally confusing consumers,” John Kuckelman, Novo’s general counsel and senior vice president, said in an interview. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Obesity, Pharmaceuticals, STAT+, weight loss Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Elaine Chen National Biotech Reporter Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot July 20, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a telehealth firm and patient safety, PBMs overcharging, and more Pharmalot July 20, 2026 STAT Plus: State audit of Medicaid records points to methods used by PBMs to obscure drug costs Advertisement Pharmalot July 17, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Pharmalot July 17, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about rising drug shortages, GSK coughing up a trial loss, and more Pharmalot July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Kalshi bets on clinical trials, a Merck cholesterol pill, and more Subscriber Picks