Inspections at 49 entities including online pharmacies, wholesalers and wellness clinics signal a stepped-up crackdown on unauthorised sale and promotion of GLP-1 drugs across India.
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has intensified regulatory surveillance over the supply chain of GLP-1 class weight-loss drugs, following concerns over their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics across the country.
Audits and inspections have been conducted at 49 entities spanning multiple regions, covering online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, and wellness and slimming clinics. The inspections focused on identifying violations related to unauthorised sale, improper prescription practices, and misleading marketing. Notices have been issued to defaulting entities.
On 10 March, a comprehensive advisory was issued to all manufacturers explicitly prohibiting surrogate advertisements and indirect promotion that could encourage off-label usage. GLP-1 drugs have been approved in India only on prescription by endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists, and for certain indications, cardiologists. Regulatory authorities warned that surveillance will intensify in the coming weeks, with non-compliances attracting possible licence cancellations, penalties, and prosecution under applicable laws.
