Why did Novo Nordisk sue Eli Lilly?
On July 21, 2026, Novo filed a false advertising lawsuit alleging Lilly's TV and social media campaigns compare the highest tirzepatide doses with lower Wegovy doses while omitting Novo's newer 7.2mg version approved in March 2026.
On July 21, 2026 Novo Nordisk filed a false advertising lawsuit in New Jersey federal court against Lilly. Novo alleges Lilly's national TV and social media campaigns for Zepbound and Mounjaro compare the highest doses of Lilly's drugs with lower doses of Wegovy and Ozempic while omitting newer, higher-dose versions, including a 7.2mg Wegovy dose approved in March 2026. Novo says the ads have generated about 700 million impressions and is seeking a preliminary injunction, corrective advertising and damages.
Lilly says its advertising is grounded in the most direct scientific evidence available, namely the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial, and notes that Novo has never tested its highest doses against tirzepatide. The case remains pending.