With generic versions of semaglutide flooding the India market — after Novo Nordisk lost the patent for its blockbuster weight-loss drug on March 20 — the country’s apex drug regulator has intensified surveillance against unauthorised sale and promotion. There were concerns regarding the drug being made available on-demand through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers and wellness clinics. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) carried out audits and inspections at 49 entities, which included online pharmacies, warehouses, drug wholesalers, retailers, and wellness clinics. These inspections were conducted across different parts of the country and focussed on identifying violations related to unauthorised sales, improper prescription practices, and misleading marketing. A higher dose version of the medicine was finally approved for weight-loss by the US FDA in 2021.

Source: Indian Express March 24, 2026 11:24 UTC