STAT+: French regulator fines Novo and Lilly over weight loss ad campaigns

STAT PlusPharmalot French regulator fines Novo and Lilly over weight loss ad campaigns The penalties reflect increasing concern among regulators that the drugs may be misused Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanMay 4, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. As competition mounts in the red-hot market for weight loss drugs, France’s medicines regulator fined Novo Nordisk approximately $2 million for running “misleading” advertisements for its Wegovy and Saxenda medications. At the same time, the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety also fined Eli Lilly roughly $127,000 over advertising for its Mounjaro obesity treatment that purportedly amounted to indirect promotion of a medicine for which a prescription is required.Advertisement The penalties reflect increasing concern among regulators that weight loss medicines may be misused and, as result, promotions run by pharmaceutical companies are being closely scrutinized. Two years ago, the regulator issued a bulletin on the risks associated with the drugs, especially inappropriate use. 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, Policy, STAT+, weight loss Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. 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 May 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an abortion pill controversy, another UCB deal, and more news Pharmalot May 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Advertisement Pharmalot May 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about obesity drugs and a compounding list, an AstraZeneca setback, and more Pharmalot April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA wants to exclude weight loss drugs from a compounding list Pharmalot April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Supreme Court hearing on ‘skinny labels,’ AstraZeneca U.K. expansion, and more Subscriber Picks