NEW DELHI: The Medication Controller of India is intensifying its regulatory surveillance in opposition to the unlawful sale and promotion of weight reduction medication (GLP-1), the Ministry of Well being and Household Welfare mentioned on Tuesday.In keeping with the ministry, the transfer goals to make sure moral pharmaceutical practices throughout the drug provide chain.“With the latest introduction of a number of generic variants of GLP-1-based weight reduction medication within the Indian market, considerations have emerged concerning their on-demand availability by way of retail pharmacies, on-line platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics. These medication, when used with out correct medical supervision, might result in critical antagonistic results and associated well being dangers,” the ministry mentioned in an official assertion.“Taking cognisance of the scenario, India’s Medication Controller, in collaboration with state regulators, has initiated a sequence of focused actions to curb attainable malpractices throughout the pharmaceutical provide chain and stop unauthorized gross sales and use,” it added.The ministry recalled that on March 10, a complete advisory was issued to all producers, explicitly prohibiting surrogate ads and any type of oblique promotion that would mislead shoppers or encourage off-label utilization.The assertion additional famous that enforcement actions have been considerably scaled up in latest weeks, with audits and inspections performed at 49 entities throughout a number of areas. These included on-line pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, and wellness and slimming clinics.“The misuse of weight reduction medication with out scientific oversight can result in extreme well being problems. Residents are suggested to make use of such medicines solely beneath the steering of certified medical practitioners,” the well being ministry acknowledged.The drug has been permitted in India with the situation that or not it’s prescribed solely by endocrinologists and inside drugs specialists, and for sure indications, by cardiologists.