NEW DELHI: The Drugs Controller of India is intensifying its regulatory surveillance against the illegal sale and promotion of weight loss drugs (GLP-1), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Tuesday.According to the ministry, the move aims to ensure ethical pharmaceutical practices across the drug supply chain.

"With the recent introduction of multiple generic variants of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs in the Indian market, concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics. These drugs, when used without proper medical supervision, may lead to serious adverse effects and related health risks," the ministry said in an official statement.

"Taking cognisance of the situation, India’s Drugs Controller, in collaboration with state regulators, has initiated a series of targeted actions to curb possible malpractices across the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorized sales and use," it added.The ministry recalled that on March 10, a comprehensive advisory was issued to all manufacturers, explicitly prohibiting surrogate advertisements and any form of indirect promotion that could mislead consumers or encourage off-label usage.

The statement further noted that enforcement activities have been significantly scaled up in recent weeks, with audits and inspections conducted at 49 entities across multiple regions. These included online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, and wellness and slimming clinics."The misuse of weight loss drugs without clinical oversight can lead to severe health complications. Citizens are advised to use such medications only under the guidance of qualified medical practitioners," the health ministry stated.

The drug has been approved in India with the condition that it be prescribed only by endocrinologists and internal medicine specialists, and for certain indications, by cardiologists.