Eli Lilly nearly doubled its federal lobbying expenditures in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to a report by Politico.
According to Nasdaq, lobbying disclosure filings show that Eli Lilly spent $3.35 million on lobbying activities in the first quarter of 2025. The issues lobbied included drug pricing, Medicare negotiations, pharmacy benefit managers, and matters affecting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
The increase in lobbying comes as Eli Lilly intensifies legal efforts against compound pharmacy competitors. In March, the company filed a lawsuit against Empower Pharmacy, a major Texas-based compounding pharmacy, over the sale of compounded versions of semaglutide, reported Patient Daily.
Empower Pharmacy responded to the lawsuit by defending its practices and criticizing the legal action. In a statement, Empower said, "Lilly is trying to restrict access to compounded semaglutide for patients who may not be able to afford, or who are otherwise unable to obtain, the commercially available versions." Empower contends that compounded medications offer an important alternative for patients ineligible for brand-name options.
The Houston Chronicle notes that compounding pharmacies—Empower Pharmacy among them—have become crucial sources for tailor-made medicines, including pill versions of typically injectable drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. By creating formulations unavailable off-the-shelf, they help patients who fear needles or can’t tolerate injections. Empower runs both 503A and 503B facilities, allowing it to fill one-off prescriptions for individuals while also producing larger batches for hospitals and health-care networks.
Compounded tirzepatide offers a more affordable alternative to brand-name versions, with prices starting as low as $199 per month, according to Plush Care. In contrast, brand-name tirzepatide medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound can cost between $1,000 and $1,300 per month without insurance. This significant price difference has made compounded versions an attractive option for patients seeking cost-effective treatments.
