WHO issues global alert over fake copies of diabetes, weight loss Ozempic drugs

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (Jun 20) issued a global alert warning against fake versions of Ozempic, a treatment for type 2 diabetes which is increasingly being used as a way of losing weight, flooding the markets.

What did the WHO say?

The United Nations health agency noted that they have observed an increased demand for these medicines as well as reports on falsification and that fake medicines could pose a danger to health.

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The WHO, in its alert, said they found three falsified batches of the product in Brazil and the United Kingdom’s Northern Ireland in October 2023, and the United States in December last year.

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Therefore, the UN health agency urged people to buy the drug only through reliable sources, such as doctors, instead of random websites online or on social media.

“WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public be aware of these falsified batches of medicines,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO assistant director-general for essential medicines and health products, in a statement.

It added, “We call on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities”.

The fake drugs claim to contain the active ingredient – semaglutide – found in Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic, which helps people with type 2 diabetes control the amount of sugar in their blood.

The injection, which is supposed to be taken weekly, signals the brain that we’re full. Therefore, the drug also helps people lose weight by suppressing their urge to eat.

The UN health agency also warned that the fake drugs could be harmful if they do not have the necessary raw components and can lead to unmanaged blood glucose levels or weight.

‘Deeply concerned’

American drug giant Eli Lilly published an open letter saying it was “deeply concerned” about people selling fake medicines or compounded versions of tirzepatide, an active ingredient in its Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs that promote weight loss.

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On Thursday, Eli Lilly also said that it has sued six more entities, including medical spas and wellness centres for selling products claiming to contain tirzepatide, reported Reuters.

Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk said it has also sued several entities to stop them from selling products claiming to contain semaglutide.

(With inputs from agencies)