Specialists have warned that the approval of a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist weight-loss tablet could make it a target for online fraud and counterfeit medicines.
Following its introduction into the UK market, a snap survey by the National Pharmacy Association, which represents around 6,000 independent community pharmacies in the UK, found that 97% of pharmacies were concerned that the new form of treatment would increase fake or unlicensed weight-loss pills being sold on the black market, creating a risk to patient safety.
A spokesperson from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said: “We have as yet not received any reports of counterfeit Wegovy or Foundayo in pill form. Authorised medicines, including those used for weight management, are subject to robust regulatory processes and ongoing oversight, including controls on how they are manufactured, supplied and monitored once on the market. We remain vigilant to emerging threats relating to unauthorised and falsified weight-loss products and, where necessary, will take appropriate enforcement action to protect public health.”