As GLP-1 generics flood market, govt intensifies surveillance

NEW DELHI: With prices of GLP-1 drugs crashing and their generic versions flooding the market, govt has cracked down on their misuse, inspecting 49 businesses and issuing notices while also flagging risks of unsupervised consumption in a detailed advisory.To ensure ethical pharmaceutical practices, Drug Controller General of India has intensified surveillance of unauthorised sale and promotion of the drugs. In India, GLP-1 medicines can be prescribed only by endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists and cardiologists.Officials have raised concerns over their growing on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers and wellness clinics. Inspections across the country found violations such as improper prescriptions and misleading marketing. An advisory has directed manufacturers to stop advertisements promoting non-prescription use, warning of licence cancellation, fines and legal action.GLP-1 drugs, used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, carry risks if misused. Side effects range from vomiting to pancreatitis, kidney injury and bowel obstruction.