To ensure ethical pharmaceutical practices, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has intensified its regulatory surveillance against the unauthorised sale and promotion of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
Inspections and audits have been carried out at online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, and retailers to check for unauthorised sale and improper prescription.
With multiple generic variants introduced in the Indian market, concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics.
The DCGI, in collaboration with state regulators, has initiated targeted actions to curb possible malpractices and prevent unauthorised sales and use.
A comprehensive advisory was issued to manufacturers, prohibiting surrogate advertisements and indirect promotion that could mislead consumers or encourage off-label usage.
Audits and inspections were conducted at 49 entities, including online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, wellness and slimming clinics.
Notices have been sent to defaulting entities, and regulatory surveillance will continue to be intensified in the coming weeks.
The regulator emphasizes that patient safety remains paramount, and citizens are advised to use such medications only under the guidance of qualified medical practitioners.
