The pharmaceutical companies behind Ozempic, Wegovy and other weight-loss meds push to prevent compounding pharmacies from making cheaper copies. They argue they can keep up with demand on their own.

The drug companies behind blockbuster weight loss and diabetes treatments have signaled that supply problems could soon be over, but many patients still have trouble getting the medicines. 

Cheaper versions of Wegovy and Zepbound touted on social media could be fleeting. Copies are legal now because the brand-name drugs are in short supply. But the drugmakers are boosting production.

Eli Lilly said the obesity medicine, which helped adults in clinical studies lose about 20% of their body weight, will be available in the U.S. by the end of the year. The list price will be $1,060.