India’s drug regulator has intensified surveillance against the unauthorized sale and promotion of weight-loss drugs, amid growing concerns over misuse and the rapid influx of cheaper generic versions into the market.
The move comes after several domestic pharmaceutical companies launched lower-cost alternatives to blockbuster weight-loss treatments, increasing availability but also raising regulatory challenges.
Authorities said inspections have been carried out at 49 locations, including drug wholesalers, retailers and slimming clinics, as part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal distribution and off-label use of these medicines.
The drugs, originally developed for diabetes treatment, have seen a surge in demand for weight loss, prompting concerns over unsupervised use and potential health risks.
Officials are also stepping up monitoring of the pharmaceutical supply chain and promotional practices to curb misleading marketing and ensure compliance with existing regulations governing prescription medicines.
The crackdown follows a wave of new entrants into the market after patent expiries enabled local firms to introduce significantly cheaper versions of popular obesity drugs, intensifying competition and accessibility.