Stories
Fake Medicine Racket Thrives Amidst Obesity Drug Demand in India
- •India, with the world's second-highest diabetes cases, is a large market for weight-loss drugs due to obesity being a major cause.
- •Drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, initially patented, saw their patents expire in March, allowing Indian companies to produce cheaper generic versions.
- •While generic drugs offer affordable treatment, a 'fake medicine market' has emerged, exploiting the demand for weight-loss solutions.
- •Fake drugs, often sold online, mimic original packaging but contain ineffective or improperly prepared ingredients, posing health risks.
- •Experts urge regulatory agencies to take immediate action to protect consumers from the burgeoning fake weight-loss drug business.
Key Questions Answered
The expiry of key patents for blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro in March allowed Indian pharmaceutical companies to produce affordable generic alternatives that are up to 70 to 90 percent cheaper than the originals.
Unscrupulous manufacturers and online platforms are selling counterfeit injections in packaging that mimics genuine brands, while some illegal makers import active ingredients from countries like China and hastily prepare unsafe drugs often promoted through social media and platforms like Reddit.
India's central drug regulator and state controllers have increased oversight to monitor compliance with approved indications, labeling norms, and ethical marketing, alongside launching inspections across pharmacies, online platforms, and slimming clinics to curb unauthorized sales.
