The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a medical product alert regarding falsified semaglutides, medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. This alert addresses three falsified batches of semaglutide products, specifically the brand Ozempic, which were detected in Brazil and the United Kingdom in October 2023, and in the United States in December 2023.
WHO’s Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) has been monitoring an increase in reports of falsified semaglutide products across various regions since 2022. This is the first official notice issued by WHO following confirmation of some of these reports.
“WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities, and the public to be aware of these falsified batches of medicines,” said Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. “We call on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities.”
Semaglutides, including the falsified brand Ozempic, are prescribed to individuals with type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. These medicines are administered either through weekly subcutaneous injections or daily oral tablets. They are also increasingly prescribed for weight loss due to their appetite-suppressing properties.
The rising demand for semaglutides has coincided with increased reports of falsified products. These falsified medicines pose significant health risks. If they lack the necessary active ingredients, they can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels or inadequate weight management. In some cases, the falsified products may contain undeclared active ingredients, such as insulin, which can cause unpredictable health complications.
Due to their high cost, semaglutides are not part of WHO-recommended treatments for diabetes management. WHO prioritizes treatments that are widely accessible and feasible on a large scale in resource-limited settings. There are more affordable alternatives available for diabetes that offer similar benefits in terms of blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk reduction.
WHO is currently developing a rapid advice guideline on the potential use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including semaglutides, for treating obesity in adults. This guideline is part of a broader model of care. GLP-1 RAs are a class of medicines used for diabetes treatment that helps lower blood sugar levels and support weight loss.
WHO urges healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious semaglutide products to the relevant authorities. It is crucial to ensure the authenticity of medicines to protect public health and prevent adverse health outcomes resulting from falsified medications.
