Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has spearheaded a bipartisan initiative consisting of 38 states and territories, urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address the distribution of counterfeit and potentially harmful weight loss and diabetes drugs. The coalition’s focus is on drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, which fall under the category of GLP-1 medications. These drugs are pivotal for millions of Americans seeking health improvements.
Attorney General Skrmetti highlighted the risks posed by counterfeit drugs, which often originate from international sources such as China and Turkey. These illegitimate products may contain contaminants or entirely different substances, posing significant health risks to consumers. The coalition is advocating for the FDA to not only protect the integrity of the American supply chain but also collaborate with federal and state agencies to eliminate the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs.
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The high demand and limited availability of GLP-1 medications have created a lucrative market for counterfeit products, which jeopardizes both public health and national security. Reports have indicated that fake GLP-1 drugs from countries like India and Turkey have penetrated the U.S. market.
The FDA, with its resources and expertise, is well-positioned to investigate and curb illegal activities related to counterfeit drug production. The coalition’s letter emphasizes the need for increased enforcement against these activities and recommends partnerships with state pharmacy boards to ensure the safe production of compounded GLP-1 drugs.
This effort is co-led by Tennessee, South Carolina, Colorado, and Illinois, with participation from attorneys general across numerous states and territories, including Alaska, California, New York, and others.
The full letter to the FDA can be read here. Additionally, the Consumer Protection Division’s GLP-1 warning is available here.
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