Government tightens oversight of GLP-1 diet pills amid concerns about unauthorized sales

New Delhi: The Drug Regulatory Agency of India is tightening regulations on illegal sales and promotion of weight-loss drugs (GLP-1), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Tuesday.According to the Ministry of Health, the move is aimed at ensuring ethical pharmaceutical practices throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain.“With the recent launch of generic versions of several GLP-1-based weight loss drugs in the Indian market, concerns have arisen over the on-demand availability of these drugs through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers and health clinics. These drugs, if used without proper medical supervision, may lead to serious adverse reactions and associated health risks,” the Ministry of Health said in an official statement.“Recognizing this situation, the Drugs Regulatory Authority of India, in collaboration with national regulatory agencies, has initiated a series of targeted actions to curb possible misconduct throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorized sale and use,” it added.The ministry recalled that on March 10, a comprehensive advisory was issued to all manufacturers explicitly prohibiting alternative advertising and any form of indirect promotion that could mislead consumers or encourage off-label use.The statement further noted that enforcement activities have expanded significantly in recent weeks, with 49 entities audited and inspected across multiple regions. These include online pharmacy warehouses, pharmaceutical wholesalers, retailers, and health and weight loss clinics.“Misuse of weight-loss drugs without clinical supervision may lead to serious health complications. Citizens are advised to use such drugs only under the guidance of a qualified doctor,” the ministry said.The drug has been approved in India on the condition that it can be prescribed only by endocrinologists and internal medicine specialists and, for certain indications, by cardiologists.