Health · Pharma & Biotech · 2 hrs ago
São Paulo court halts Urupês plan to distribute compounded tirzepatide
A court in São Paulo state temporarily stopped Urupês from distributing compounded tirzepatide through its public health service.
The order followed a request from Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, a medicine whose active ingredient is tirzepatide.
Urupês had arranged for a compounding pharmacy to supply standard-dose vials for a program expected to serve about 200 patients.
The judge said large-scale production of standard doses may not meet Brazil’s rules for compounded medicines, which are intended for individual patient needs.
She also cited concerns about the quality and sterility of an injectable medicine.
The city cannot place new orders or distribute supplies already bought under the contract, but it may continue treating existing patients with medicines registered with Anvisa, Brazil’s health regulator.
The ruling is temporary, and the city and pharmacy can respond in court; the case will also be sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
A São Paulo court suspended Urupês’s contract to supply compounded tirzepatide through the public health system.
The preliminary ruling, issued on October 20, followed a request by Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, a medicine containing tirzepatide.
The court barred the municipality from placing new orders or distributing products already acquired under the contract.
The judge allowed ongoing treatment to continue only with medicines regularly registered with Anvisa, Brazil’s health regulator.
The ruling is not final, and the municipality and pharmacy may respond in the case.
- Who
- The court suspended the Urupês municipal government’s contract with Terapêutica Farmácia de Manipulação Ltda. The ruling followed a request by Eli Lilly.
- What
- The court barred new orders and distribution of compounded tirzepatide acquired under the contract.
- When
- The preliminary ruling was issued on October 20, 2026.
- Where
- Urupês, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
- Why
- Lilly argued that large-scale, standardized compounding did not meet rules requiring preparation for individual patient needs. The judge also cited possible health risks and the need for quality and sterility controls.
Eli Lilly
Urupês municipal program
Aspect
Eli Lilly
Lilly argued that compounded medicines should be prepared for individual patient needs and with an individual prescription.
Urupês municipal program
The municipality set up a public program to buy and supply compounded tirzepatide to patients.
Aspect
Eli Lilly
Lilly said standardized, large-scale distribution through a public program did not comply with sanitary rules.
Urupês municipal program
The program planned to provide standardized 60 mg and 63 mg vials to about 200 patients.
The municipality had issued purchase commitments totaling more than R$306,000, according to the court decision.
A judge granted a preliminary injunction suspending the contract and distribution of the compounded medicine.
CNN Brasil published its report on the court’s ruling.
- Contracted pharmacy
- Terapêutica Farmácia de Manipulação Ltda.
- Planned supply
- 23,000 milligrams of compounded tirzepatide
- Estimated contract value
- R$345,000
- Planned patient group
- About 200 patients
- Daily fine for non-compliance
- R$10,000
- Compliance deadline
- 48 hours