WHO, Eli Lilly warn against fake versions of popular weight loss, diabetes drugs
Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) and pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Co. are cautioning the public about fake versions of popular weight-loss and diabetes medications. WHO reported on Thursday that it has received numerous reports of fake semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic, across all global regions since 2022.
Lilly said in an open letter that it was "deeply concerned" about growing online sales and social media posts involving phony or compounded versions of tirzepatide, the active ingredient behind its drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound.
The Indianapolis-based company said it was the only lawful supplier of those drugs, and it does not provide tirzepatide to compounding pharmacies, wellness centers or online retailers.
Lilly said fake versions of its drugs frequently advertised or sold online are never safe to use.
Novo Nordisk has issued similar warnings in the past about its medications.
According to AP, WHO said patients can protect themselves by using prescriptions from licensed physicians to buy the medications. The agency said patients also should avoid buying the drugs from unfamiliar sources.
Lilly said any products marketed as tirzepatide and not Mounjaro or Zepbound were not made by the drugmaker and are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
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