Eli Lilly sues six U.S. entities over illegal retatrutide sales, urges broader crackdown

Eli Lilly announced legal action against six U.S. entities accused of selling its experimental obesity drug retatrutide on the black market.

The lawsuits target compounding pharmacies, medical spas and online sellers that claim the product is for research but are allegedly providing it for human use. Retatrutide is in Phase 3 trials with a regulatory filing expected early next year.

In addition to the suits, Lilly has referred more than 200 other suspected sellers to authorities and reported over 14,000 online listings across 100 countries, urging regulators, law enforcement and logistics firms to help stop the illegal trade.

The company frames the illicit market as a public‑health risk and calls for coordinated action to protect patients and preserve the integrity of its development program.