STAT+: Dozens of attorneys general urge FDA to crack down on counterfeit obesity drugs
More than three dozen attorneys general are urging the FDA to take “decisive action” against counterfeit obesity drugs.
More than three dozen state attorneys general are urging the Food and Drug Administration to take “decisive action” against a host of companies that they argue are illegally profiting off skyrocketing demand for pricey obesity drugs.
In a Feb. 18 letter to the agency, the state officials maintained that “supply shortages and high costs have created opportunities for wrongdoers to cash in and endanger consumers.” In particular, they pointed to counterfeiters, online retailers selling active ingredients without requiring a prescription, and some compound pharmacies that “cut corners” in preparing custom-made versions of the drugs.
“The FDA has the expertise and the resources to stop this conduct and better protect consumers,” the attorneys general wrote. “… With its broad jurisdiction and resources, the FDA is uniquely positioned to lead the campaign against dangerous adulterations of GLP-1 medications in the U.S. drug supply.” GLP-1 is the type of drug that Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk sell to combat obesity, as well as diabetes.
