To ensure ethical pharmaceutical practices in the supply chain of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has intensified its regulatory monitoring against unauthorized sale and promotion of drugs.
To this end, inspections and audits have been conducted at several warehouses of online pharmacies, drug wholesalers and retailers to check unauthorized sales and incorrect prescriptions.
With multiple generic variants of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs being introduced in the Indian market recently, concerns have arisen over their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers and health clinics, health ministry officials said on Tuesday.
These medications, when used without proper medical supervision, may result in serious adverse effects and related health risks.
Recognizing the situation, DCGI, in collaboration with state regulatory agencies, has initiated a series of targeted actions to curb potential malpractices across the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorized sales and use.
On 10 March, a comprehensive advisory was issued to all manufacturers, explicitly prohibiting surrogate advertising and any form of indirect promotion that may mislead consumers or encourage off-brand use.
In recent weeks, enforcement activities have been significantly intensified.
The Ministry of Health said that audits and inspections were conducted at 49 entities, including online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, and health and slimming clinics.
These inspections spanned multiple regions across the country and focused on identifying violations related to unauthorized sales, improper prescription practices, and misleading marketing. Moreover, notices have also been sent to defaulting entities.
“The regulatory body emphasizes that patient safety remains of paramount importance. Misuse of weight loss medications without clinical supervision can lead to serious health complications. Citizens are advised to use these medications only under the supervision of qualified medical practitioners,” the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
It is important to reiterate here that the drugs are approved in India on prescription by endocrinologists and internal medicine doctors only, and for some indications, by cardiologists.
Regulatory monitoring will continue to intensify in the coming weeks and instances of non-compliance will be dealt with strictly, with potential actions including revocation of licences, penalties and prosecution under applicable laws, officials said.
