Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 4: India’s drug regulatory authorities are intensifying oversight of rapidly growing weight-loss and diabetes treatments, particularly those based on GLP-1 receptor agonists, as demand surges and cheaper alternatives are expected to enter the market.

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), functioning under the Health Ministry, has been tasked with systematically gathering and analysing reports of adverse effects linked to these therapies. The move is aimed at strengthening post-marketing surveillance and ensuring that any safety concerns are detected and addressed promptly.

Officials said the initiative is part of a broader regulatory effort to keep pace with the increasing use of these drugs, especially as affordability improves. With the patent expiry of semaglutide—a key component in many popular weight-loss treatments—low-cost generic versions are expected to become widely available, potentially increasing access while also raising concerns about misuse.

The enhanced monitoring follows recent enforcement drives led by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), which has ramped up inspections to curb unauthorised sale and promotion. In recent weeks, authorities have audited 49 entities nationwide, including online pharmacies, wholesalers, retailers, and weight-loss clinics.

These inspections focused on violations such as selling medicines without prescriptions, improper prescribing practices, and misleading advertisements. Authorities have issued notices to offenders, warning that continued non-compliance could result in licence cancellations, financial penalties, and legal action.

The government has also clarified that only qualified specialists—such as endocrinologists, internal medicine experts, and cardiologists—are authorised to prescribe these medications. Earlier directives also instructed manufacturers to stop misleading promotions that might encourage unsupervised usage.

Widely used for managing Type 2 Diabetes and increasingly prescribed for weight loss, GLP-1 receptor agonists function by boosting insulin secretion and reducing appetite through delayed gastric emptying.

However, health authorities have cautioned that these drugs may cause side effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to more serious complications, including pancreatitis, kidney injury, and bowel obstruction, underscoring the need for careful medical supervision.