STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Novo suing Lilly over ‘deceptive’ ads, a fugitive’s secret life in biotech, and more

STAT PlusNewsletterPharmalot Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Novo suing Lilly over ‘deceptive’ ads, a fugitive’s secret life in biotech, and more Biotechs are lobbying to exclude rare disease meds from programs that lower Medicare drug prices Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 21, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer 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. Rise and shine, everyone, another busy day is on the way. Sadly, gray skies are hovering over the Pharmalot campus again, but our spirits remain sunny, nonetheless. Why? We recall a bit of insight from the Morning Mayor, who taught us, “Every day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.” To celebrate the notion, we are firing up the trusty tea kettle for a cuppa ginger peach and invite you to join us. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. Hope you have a meaningful and productive day and, of course, do stay in touch. … Novo Nordisk sued Eli Lilly for allegedly running a “deceptive” ad campaign that uses “outdated clinical trials” to make its obesity and diabetes drugs appear more effective, marking a new phase in one of the pharmaceutical industry’s most intense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, STAT tells us. 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. Novo claimed Lilly’s ads, which have been broadcast nationally and been disseminated on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook, are “causing irreparable harm.”Advertisement Biotech companies are lobbying the Trump administration to exclude treatments for rare diseases from programs that lower brand drug prices in Medicare, STAT reports. The Rare Disease Company Coalition met last week with the White House Office of Management and Budget to discuss two pilot programs that are part of President Trump’s plan to get drugmakers to lower prices in the U.S. to levels charged in other rich countries, a policy generally referred to as most-favored nation. The OMB is reviewing both pilots: the Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs, or GUARD, Model, which would apply to Part D retail drugs, and the Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing, or GLOBE, Model, which would apply to physician-administered drugs in Part B. 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 pharmalittle, STAT+ 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. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Pharmalot July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Novo Nordisk sues Eli Lilly over GLP-1 drug ads it calls ‘deceptive’ Pharmalot July 20, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a telehealth firm and patient safety, PBMs overcharging, and more Advertisement Pharmalot July 20, 2026 STAT Plus: State audit of Medicaid records points to methods used by PBMs to obscure drug costs 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 Subscriber Picks