Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are denying a telehealth company’s claim of having struck partnerships with the two companies to provide direct access to their popular obesity meds.
Thursday morning, Mangoceuticals issued a press release saying it had partnered with the Big Pharmas in the launch of its MangoRx Direct and PeachesRx Direct programs, which it said will offer users “direct access” to Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo’s Wegovy via the drugmakers’ own LillyDirect and NovoCare Pharmacy services.
Within a few hours, both Lilly and Novo had disputed the announcement. Lilly put out a statement saying it “has no affiliation” with the telehealth provider, adding, “In fact, Lilly sued Mangoceuticals last year and obtained a permanent injunction.”
That said, the Indianapolis pharma noted that any licensed healthcare provider, “including those who work with telehealth platforms,” is free to prescribe Lilly medicines and can submit valid Zepbound prescriptions for fulfillment through LillyDirect.
Novo, too, confirmed to Fierce that it does not have any sort of arrangement with Mangoceuticals, saying in a statement, “Novo Nordisk was not made aware of the announcement issued this morning by Mangoceuticals. We do not have any agreement or partnership with this company.”
Later Thursday evening, Mangoceuticals issued another release clarifying its earlier announcement. The company admitted that it has “no direct contractual relationship” with either pharma, while maintaining that the MangoRx and PeachesRx services are “licensed and approved to issue, through a third-party provider, valid prescriptions for FDA-approved branded GLP-1 medications, including, when medically appropriate, Zepbound from Eli Lilly and Wegovy from Novo Nordisk.”
The telehealth company’s stock had soared upon the initial announcement, jumping 21% from $1.80 at market close Wednesday to $2.18 when trading began Thursday. By the afternoon, however, after both pharmas had rebuffed the claim, the stock price was in free fall, hovering a little above $1 by the end of regular trading hours Thursday.
In the announcement, Mangoceuticals described how users would be able to receive a variety of support services for obesity and weight management and, if applicable, prescriptions for the GLP-1 drugs through the MangoRx and PeachesRx telehealth platforms.
“For just $99/month, our medication management membership, includes unlimited telehealth visits, personalized progress tracking, and lifestyle coaching,” said CEO Jacob Cohen. “GLP-1 medications are provided separately at fixed cash-pay pricing through LillyDirect and NovoCare programs, starting as low as $499 per month with free home delivery. Patients also have the flexibility to pick up prescriptions at their neighborhood pharmacies of choice upon request. No insurance is required, making the programs ideal for self-pay, uninsured, underinsured and high-deductible patients.”
The release also noted that Mangoceuticals’ launch “supports and comes in conjunction with” the recent deals Lilly and Novo have struck with the White House to slash costs of their weight loss meds.
Editor's note: This story was updated at 10 a.m. ET on Nov. 14 with an update from Mangoceuticals and statement from Novo Nordisk.