Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti is leading a bipartisan coalition of 38 states and territories, urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take action against the sale of counterfeit weight loss and diabetes drugs. This group is focused on stopping the spread of imitation GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, which pose health risks.
According to the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General release, Skrmetti said, "Millions of Americans rely on GLP-1 drugs to improve their health, but bad actors are peddling dangerous fakes." The counterfeit drugs may contain harmful contaminants from unreliable supply chains in countries like China and Turkey, or they could have different substances disguised as the genuine medications. The coalition is asking the FDA to lead efforts to protect the U.S. drug supply chain and work with other agencies to eliminate counterfeit drug manufacturing.
There is growing concern about counterfeit GLP-1 drugs entering the U.S. market from countries like India, Turkey, and China. The coalition notes that high demand, high costs, and limited availability of real GLP-1 drugs create an opportunity for dishonest vendors to sell unsafe, untested products.
The coalition’s letter asks the FDA to increase enforcement against these illegal activities and partner with state pharmacy boards to ensure compounded GLP-1 drugs meet safety standards. Tennessee co-led the initiative, with support from South Carolina, Colorado, and Illinois, and was backed by many other states, including Alaska, California, and New York, as well as the Virgin Islands and District of Columbia.
Representatives from across the country have united in support of consumer safety and the integrity of the U.S. drug supply. As the FDA considers the coalition’s request, it has a responsibility to act quickly to protect those dependent on these medications and hold those who sell counterfeit drugs accountable.
