New Delhi: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday said the Drug Controller of India is intensifying its regulatory surveillance against illegal sale and promotion of weight loss drugs (GLP-1).According to the ministry, the move is aimed at ensuring ethical pharmaceutical practices in the drug supply chain.“With the recent introduction of several generic variants of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs in the Indian market, concerns have emerged about their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers and wellness clinics. These drugs, when used without proper medical supervision, may have serious adverse effects and associated health risks,” the ministry said in an official statement.“Taking cognizance of the situation, the Drug Controller of India, in collaboration with state regulators, has initiated a series of targeted actions to prevent potential malpractices in the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorized sale and use,” it said.The Ministry reminded that on March 10, a blanket advisory was issued to all manufacturers, clearly banning surrogate advertisements and any form of indirect promotion that could mislead consumers or encourage off-label use.The statement further said that enforcement activity has increased significantly in recent weeks, with audits and inspections conducted at 49 entities across a range of sectors. These included online pharmacy warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, and wellness and slimming clinics.The Health Ministry said, “Misuse of weight loss drugs without medical supervision can lead to serious health complications. Citizens are advised to use such drugs only under the guidance of qualified medical practitioners.”This drug has been approved in India with the condition that it will be prescribed only by endocrinologists and internal medicine specialists and by cardiologists for certain indications.