Weight loss injections may become more accessible through unauthorized vendors as the patent for Wegovy expires in countries like Brazil and China.
Concerns have been raised by MPs regarding unlicensed online pharmacies potentially selling cheaper appetite-suppressing medications to inappropriate individuals, including young females and those with conditions like anorexia. The Health and Social Care committee has urged UK pharmacists and regulators to provide testimony following reports of fatalities among individuals purchasing the injections illicitly.
Semaglutide, a key component in popular injections like Ozempic and Wegovy, used for Type 2 diabetes treatment and weight loss, respectively, is manufactured by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. With the patent expiration in India, there is a surge in local manufacturers producing more affordable versions, with over 50 brands planning to introduce their own variants soon.
Dr. Kieran Seyan, Chief Medical Officer at Pharmacy2U, expressed concerns to the committee about the potential increase in access to the illicit market due to the widespread manufacturing of semaglutide post-patent expiry.
Currently, approximately 1.6 million Britons are receiving weight loss injections, mainly through private prescriptions. The NHS is gradually expanding access to severely obese and unhealthy individuals. In the UK, the private cost of Wegovy ranges from £80 to £300 for a four-week supply, depending on the dosage.
The patent for semaglutide is also set to expire in March 2026 in China and Brazil, with expiration expected later this year in Turkey and South Africa. Extensions are under consideration in the US and Europe, where the patent is due to expire between 2031 and 2033.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) informed the committee that a Government task force is investigating the impact of generic weight loss injections flooding the UK market. NICE’s Programme Director, John Spoors, mentioned that prices typically decrease once the patent expires.
Instances of unregulated “skinny jabs” advertisements on platforms like TikTok have come to light. Tragically, several individuals have lost their lives after consuming unlicensed drugs, including a woman in Sunderland in 2024.
Committee chair Layla Moran emphasized the urgency to address the situation, noting the impact on families and individuals affected by the issue. She highlighted the concerning trend of young females accessing these drugs illegally from overseas and the associated risks.
Unauthorized pharmacies, including rogue beauty salons, can distribute the injections without assessing a patient’s medical history, posing risks of adverse reactions with existing conditions and potential dangerous side effects. Sellers may not verify the necessity for weight loss in buyers.
Injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro work by slowing digestion and reducing appetite through mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which controls hunger and satiety. Common side effects include vomiting, necessitating personalized support from specialists for sustained weight loss.
An investigator at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) informed MPs that the profit margins in the illicit trade of these injections surpass those in illegal drug trades like cocaine and heroin.
Andy Morling, Head of Criminal Enforcement at the MHRA, highlighted the risks associated with illegally traded GLP-1 drugs, emphasizing the potential dangers despite being genuine products. He noted the blurring lines between medicine and cosmetic products in recent times.
Referring to the case of Karen McGonigal, a 53-year-old who passed away after an illegal semaglutide dose, Ms. Moran mentioned the involvement of a local Botox provider in the incident, with an ongoing investigation by Greater Manchester Police. Mr. Morling commended the courage of the deceased woman’s daughters for sharing their mother’s story.
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