Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:

Lilly warns against using its weight loss drugs for ‘cosmetic’ reasons

Eli Lilly has urged people not to use its weight loss drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, for “cosmetic weight loss”. Both drugs are different approvals of tirzepatide, which has shown significant weight loss effects in clinical studies. The firm recently issued a letter stating it “stands against the use of its medicines” for cosmetic purposes, following a wave of social media posts and videos promoting off-label uses of Mounjaro after its approval for type 2 diabetes. Lilly’s letter came out on the same day it launched its direct-to-consumer website.

Eli Lilly debuts direct-to-consumer weight loss platform

Eli Lilly has launched a direct-to-consumer website, LillyDirect, which offers telehealth, in-person, and pharmacy services for people dealing with obesity, migraines, and diabetes. The company is partnering with Form Health, marking a pioneering move into direct-to-consumer online weight loss prescriptions. The ultimate goal is to bring the efficiency and convenience of digital solutions to healthcare.

UCB exits from industry trade group BIO

Following Pfizer’s withdrawal last year, European pharmaceutical company UCB has also decided not to renew its membership with the industry group Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) for 2024. The Belgium-based firm, however, remains a member of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association of America (PhRMA) and the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC).

Bluebird Bio achieves additional outcomes-based coverage for $3M+ sickle cell gene therapy

Bluebird Bio has secured a second outcomes-based agreement with an anonymous payer for its new $3.1 million sickle cell gene therapy. With this deal, Bluebird has secured coverage for approximately 200 million people. It’s still unclear exactly which insurers have agreed to cover the cost of the therapy.

Revance fails to dismiss Botox trade secrets lawsuit

Revance Therapeutics has lost its appeal to dismiss a trade secrets lawsuit relating to the production of a Botox rival. The lawsuit, filed by AbbVie’s Allergan unit, accuses Revance of hiring Allergan employees with access to trade secrets for its Botox and Juvéderm products. Revance’s request to dismiss the claims has been turned down by a Tennessee federal judge.