The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday that last year's global shortage of popular diabetes drugs that are also used for weight loss, such as Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, was linked to increased reports of suspected forgery.
The organization said counterfeit versions of the drugs, which belong to a class called GLP-1 agonists, are most commonly sold and distributed through unregulated media outlets, including social media platforms, and pose serious health risks.
“Counterfeit medical products are known to be ineffective and/or cause toxic reactions,” the WHO said, adding that the medicines may have been manufactured in unsanitary conditions by unqualified personnel and may be contaminated with bacteria.
Explosive demand for Ozempic and similar approved weight-loss drugs, including Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Mounjaro and Novo's Wegovy, has fueled a growing global market for counterfeit versions.
Three people sought medical treatment for dangerously low blood sugar levels in the United States in 2023 after taking suspected counterfeit versions of Ozempic, Portal reported last week.
Austrian and Lebanese health authorities also reported last year that several people suffered from hypoglycemia after taking allegedly counterfeit Ozempic and some were hospitalized.
GLP-1 agonists, initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, reduce cravings and cause slower gastric emptying. It has been shown in clinical studies to help patients lose 15 to 20% of their body weight.
In 2023, US demand exceeded supply for Novo and Lilly's GLP-1 class drugs. This trend is expected to continue as companies work to expand their production capacity.
Lilly CEO David Ricks said this month that Zepbound's supply may not be enough to meet demand this year. Novo Nordisk said in August that Wegovy's supply shortages would likely last until 2024.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration still lists most doses of Wegovy as in short supply. The agency also added a dosage of Lilly's diabetes drug Mounjaro, which contains the same active ingredient as Zepbound, to its list of deficiencies.
The WHO said continued shortages of these medicines and the growing prevalence of counterfeit versions are likely to have a disproportionate impact on patients with type 2 diabetes.
She advised buyers to obtain their medicines from licensed and regulated suppliers and from healthcare professionals to adhere to good prescribing and dispensing practices.