Connecticut Attorney General (AG) William Tong has reached a $300,000 settlement with Florida-based Triggered Brand, resolving allegations that the company violated the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) by marketing and selling unapproved, “bootleg” GLP-1 weight loss drugs to Connecticut residents. The company allegedly sourced unsafe, non-FDA-approved GLP-1s and promoted them using deceptive tactics. While only $18,500 is due upfront, Triggered Brand will be liable for the full settlement amount if it violates the agreement’s terms.
This action is part of a broader crackdown. An ongoing investigation into another company, Made in China, is still underway. Also in May, AG Tong sent letters to medical spas and weight loss clinics warning that the advertising or compounding of GLP-1s may violate CUTPA, citing the end of the FDA-declared drug shortage as a basis for enforcement.
The Connecticut Inside Investigator’s article prominently features Frier Levitt as a leading legal voice questioning the AG’s interpretation of the law. It cites our recent provider alert, “Connecticut Issues Both Legitimate and Overly Restrictive Enforcement Targeting 503A Compounding Pharmacies, Medical Clinics, and Spas,” which provides important context on the legal and regulatory landscape.
Our alert clarifies:
“The AG’s Letter appears to suggest that compounded versions cannot be advertised or prescribed due to their lack of FDA approval, or because they contain vitamins that are not FDA-approved. Importantly, this interpretation may not fully reflect the regulatory framework governing compounded medications. Compounds are by statutory definition, not FDA-approval. In fact, they are statutorily exempt from that requirement pursuant to Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. Vitamins are also considered as Dietary Supplements, and by definition, are not required to undergo FDA approval.”
