A recent investigation has highlighted an illegal international market in counterfeit weight loss drugs, including those from the GLP-1 range, which is popular for weight loss. These drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy from Novo Nordisk, as well as Mounjaro and Zepbound from Eli Lilly, are fraudulently modified and sold over the web.
The CNBC investigation identified diversion and counterfeiting practices. For example, a product sold like Ozempic by the company Laver Beauty cost just $219 for a month, well below the legal U.S. price. Shipped from China, the drug failed to meet required storage conditions, posing a health risk.
International health authorities are alarmed by the proliferation of these fake medicines. Hundreds of counterfeit products seized last yearparticularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, where frequent raids take place to flush out these illegal activities.
In response, pharmaceutical companies are teaming up with cybersecurity companies to monitor and shut down sites selling these dangerous products. Accounts like those on Facebook and TikTok were removed after being identified as illegal sellers.
Counterfeiters also exploit the Turkish platform, a major hub in this illicit trade, by using packaging equipment that almost perfectly imitates the products.
The FDA has already seized thousands of units of these fake drugs, highlighting the serious dangers they pose to public health. She reminds that any consumption of counterfeit medicines can have fatal consequences, advising to always buy from authorized sources.
Authorities continue to fight this growing threat, tandis that consumers are urged to be vigilant to avoid falling into these dangerous traps.
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