Govt tightens watch on GLP-1 weight-loss drugs amid concerns over unauthorised sales | India News

New Delhi: India’s drug regulator is intensifying its regulatory vigilance against illegal sale and promotion of weight loss drugs (GLP-1), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Tuesday.According to the ministry, the move aims to ensure ethical pharmaceutical practices across the drug supply chain.“With the recent introduction of multiple generic variants of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs in the Indian market, there have been concerns about their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers and wellness clinics. These drugs, when used without proper medical supervision, have serious adverse effects and health concerns,” an official statement said.“Considering the situation, the drug regulator of India, in collaboration with state regulators, has initiated a series of targeted measures to curb potential malpractices across the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorized sale and use,” it added.The ministry recalls that on March 10, a comprehensive advisory was issued to all manufacturers, clearly prohibiting surrogate advertising and any form of indirect promotion that could mislead consumers or encourage off-label use.The statement also noted that enforcement activities have been significantly stepped up in recent weeks, with audits and inspections at 49 entities across multiple regions. These include online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, and wellness and slimming clinics.“Abuse of weight loss drugs without clinical supervision can lead to serious health complications. Citizens are advised to use such drugs only under the guidance of qualified physicians,” the health ministry said.The drug has been approved in India on the condition that it be prescribed only by endocrinologists and internal medicine specialists and, for certain indications, by cardiologists.