India Strengthens Regulation of GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug Supply Chain India’s drug regulatory authority has intensified its oversight of the distribution and use of GLP-1-based weight loss medications, launching a nationwide enforcement campaign to address illegal activities and ensure compliance with safety standards. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), working alongside state Licensing Authorities (SLAs), has conducted comprehensive inspections and audits across multiple regions to target non-compliant practices, including improper dispensing and misuse of these drugs. The initiative aims to reinforce adherence to the conditions of approval and label warnings for GLP-1-based weight loss treatments. State drug controllers have been directed to enhance monitoring of the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to retail, to prevent unauthorized distribution. Authorities are also urged to collaborate with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and other relevant bodies to ensure strict enforcement of regulations. Over the past several weeks, the campaign has focused on identifying and addressing violations in the distribution chain, which has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with these medications. The enforcement efforts include coordinated inspections of pharmacies, healthcare providers, and other entities involved in the supply of GLP-1 drugs. The regulator emphasized the need for strict compliance to protect public health and prevent the proliferation of counterfeit or substandard products. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of GLP-1 drugs, which have gained popularity for their effectiveness in weight management but also face challenges related to accessibility and misuse.#advertising_standards_council_of_india #pharmaceutical_sector #glp_1_drugs #central_drugs_standard_control_organisation #state_licensing_authorities
GLP-1 Made for US: Medanta Founder Dr. Naresh Trehan Warns Against Unsupervised Use of Weight-Loss Drugs The Indian government has intensified efforts to regulate the unauthorized sale of GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) weight-loss drugs, which have surged in popularity following the expiration of key patents. These medications, originally developed in the U.S. for severe obesity and Type 2 diabetes, are now being sold in India through online pharmacies and wellness clinics without valid prescriptions. Renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Naresh Trehan, founder of Medanta, has issued a stern warning against their unsupervised use, emphasizing the risks associated with the widespread availability of low-cost generic versions. Authorities have launched a nationwide crackdown, inspecting 49 warehouses, retail outlets, and wellness centers to address the surge in demand for these drugs. The crackdown follows growing concerns from medical professionals, including Dr. Trehan, who highlighted that the patent expiry has led to a flood of cheap, unregulated generic versions. Social media trends promoting rapid weight loss have further fueled the demand, prompting regulators to ban surrogate advertising and impose stricter controls on who can prescribe the treatment. Dr. Trehan explained that GLP-1 drugs were initially designed for patients with severe obesity and diabetes, working by suppressing chronic hunger and slowing stomach emptying. However, he stressed that these are not over-the-counter lifestyle products. The government’s heightened surveillance stems from the fact that the drugs have gone off-patent, allowing Indian manufacturers to produce cheaper versions. Dr.#dr_naresh_trehan #medanta #indian_medical_association #ima #glp_1_drugs
