The news: A group of US senators are concerned that new direct-to-consumer (D2C) telehealth platforms from Pfizer and Eli Lilly may be pressuring clinicians to prescribe the drugmakers’ medications.

Dick Durbin (D., Ill.) and three other senators sent letters to both Big Pharma companies. They’re requesting written responses to better understand the nature of the drug manufacturers’ relationships with contracted telehealth prescribers.

Catch up quick: Earlier this year, Eli Lilly and Pfizer rolled out websites that connect patients to third-party telehealth providers who can prescribe both pharma firms’ drugs. Consumers can also order OTC health products and get medications filled/delivered to their homes.