WHO and Eli Lilly Warn Public About Fake Weight-Loss and Diabetes Drugs

The World Health Organisation and Eli Lilly and Co have raised alarms about counterfeit versions of weight-loss and diabetes drugs. Fake semaglutide and tirzepatide are being sold online. WHO advises buying only through licensed prescriptions. Lilly stresses they are the sole supplier for certain drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound.

The World Health Organisation and Eli Lilly and Co have issued strong warnings regarding counterfeit versions of widely-used weight-loss and diabetes drugs.

WHO reported that fake semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic, has been found in various regions since 2022.

Lilly expressed “deep concern” about increasing online sales of phony tirzepatide, the active component in their drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound, cautioning that they are the only lawful supplier and do not distribute to compounding pharmacies, wellness centers, or online retailers.

Both WHO and Lilly advise the public to buy medications only with prescriptions from licensed physicians and avoid unfamiliar sources.