NEW DELHI: The Center has warned pharmaceutical companies against promoting weight loss drugs GLP-1 — popularly sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro — through advertisements or “disease awareness” campaigns that indirectly encourage their use among the public.In an advisory, the Central Drugs Standards Control Organization said it had learned that some companies were engaging in direct or indirect promotional activities related to GLP-1 receptor agonists and similar prescription drugs used for obesity and metabolic conditions.Such medicines can only be prescribed by registered medical practitioners and any attempt to promote them to the general public could lead to action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, the regulatory body said.
The advisory warns companies against advertisements that exaggerate their therapeutic benefits, guarantee weight loss, or encourage demand for drug therapy while downplaying the importance of lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and behavioral interventions.Health authorities stressed that obesity is a chronic metabolic condition that requires comprehensive management, including lifestyle measures, and drug treatment should not be portrayed in a way that undermines public health initiatives that promote physical activity and a healthy diet.
The regulator also said that promotional campaigns presented as “awareness initiatives” but acting as alternative advertisements for prescription drugs will be treated as misleading marketing practices.Drug manufacturers, importers and marketing authorization holders have been asked to strictly adhere to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and related rules. The regulator has directed companies to ensure that patient information leaflets and prescription information clearly display approved contact details and grievance mechanisms. Companies were also required to follow ethical marketing practices and submit risk management plans.This advice has been circulated to all stakeholders, including the Advertising Standards Board of India, for adherence.