Nashville, Tenn. — A coalition of 38 states and territories, led by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, is urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take immediate action against counterfeit weight loss and diabetes medications. The coalition is calling on the FDA to combat the growing issue of fake and potentially dangerous GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
The demand for GLP-1 drugs has surged in recent years, driven by their effectiveness in managing weight loss and diabetes. However, this high demand, coupled with limited supply and high prices, has opened the door for fraudulent manufacturers to take advantage of consumers. Counterfeit versions of these drugs have been found infiltrating the U.S. supply chain, often originating from overseas sources such as China, Turkey, and India.
Skrmetti, who is leading the coalition, emphasized the grave risks posed by these counterfeit drugs. “Millions of Americans rely on GLP-1 drugs to improve their health, but bad actors are peddling dangerous fakes,” he said. “These counterfeit or copycat drugs can be contaminated through shady supply chains or contain entirely different substances manufactured to look like GLP-1 drugs. We are asking the FDA to take swift action to safeguard our American supply chain.”
The coalition’s concerns extend beyond the physical health risks of counterfeit medications. They also highlight the potential national security threats posed by the illegal manufacturing and distribution networks involved. In addition to safety concerns, these fake drugs could undermine consumer trust in the healthcare system, making it more difficult for patients to access legitimate, effective treatments.
According to the coalition, the counterfeit drugs may be laced with harmful ingredients or produced under unsanitary conditions, making them dangerous to those who ingest them. Some of these drugs are packaged to appear identical to authentic medications, deceiving patients and healthcare providers alike.
The letter, which was co-led by Skrmetti, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, urges the FDA to step up its enforcement efforts. The letter also calls for increased oversight of compounding pharmacies that may be involved in producing or distributing these counterfeit versions of GLP-1 drugs.
The attorneys general from a diverse group of states, including Alaska, California, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, joined the letter, signaling broad bipartisan concern over the issue. The coalition is asking the FDA to use its resources and expertise to identify and eliminate counterfeit drugs from the market, ensuring that those who rely on these medications are not exposed to unnecessary risks.
“The FDA has the authority and expertise to investigate and halt unlawful conduct in the drug supply chain,” said Skrmetti. “We are asking them to work with other federal and state agencies to put an end to these deceptive practices and protect the American public.”
As the demand for GLP-1 medications continues to grow, officials stress the importance of protecting both consumers and the integrity of the healthcare system. With the coalition’s letter now in the hands of the FDA, all eyes will be on the agency’s response and whether it can take meaningful steps to address this escalating public health issue.
