The surge in demand and high costs of these medications have created opportunities for counterfeiters, posing serious threats to public safety and national security.

In a formal letter to Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner, the coalition emphasized the alarming rise in unregulated GLP-1 drugs being sold without prescriptions, often sourced from countries such as China, Turkey, and India.

A report from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy warns that many consumers lack the knowledge to safely use raw ingredients, leading to increased overdoses of semaglutide.

A coalition of 39 state and territorial attorneys general, led by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, is urging the FDA to take action against counterfeit GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy due to significant health risks.

Online sellers are exploiting this demand by marketing active ingredients under misleading labels, targeting consumers through social media as cheaper alternatives to legitimate prescriptions.

The rise of counterfeit drugs has been linked to serious health incidents, including overdoses and hospitalizations, as some products contain dangerously high doses or are mislabeled.

Counterfeit medications pose significant health risks, including contamination and incorrect dosages, which has led to urgent calls for immediate FDA action.

The coalition specifically targets unsafe forms of GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, urging the FDA to enhance enforcement against illegal manufacturers.

Past FDA investigations into compounding pharmacies have revealed serious health risks, including a fungal meningitis outbreak that resulted in 60 deaths.

The letter calls for increased FDA oversight of compounding pharmacies and collaboration with federal agencies to intercept counterfeit shipments.

The coalition is advocating for improved cooperation between the FDA and state pharmacy boards to ensure that compounded GLP-1 drugs adhere to strict safety standards.

As the demand for GLP-1 medications continues to grow, authorities are committed to ensuring safe access to legitimate treatments while addressing the ongoing counterfeit drug crisis.