Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 1: The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has intensified regulatory oversight against the unauthorized sale and promotion of GLP-1 drugs, used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, the government announced on Wednesday.

In recent weeks, officials audited 49 businesses nationwide, including online pharmacy warehouses, wholesalers, retail outlets, and weight-loss clinics. The inspections focused on violations such as unregulated sales, improper prescription practices, and misleading marketing, according to an official statement.

Notices have been issued to businesses found in breach of regulations, and authorities warned that license cancellation, fines, and legal action could follow for repeated violations. The government clarified that only endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists, and cardiologists are authorized to prescribe GLP-1 medications.

Earlier, on March 10, 2026, the DCGI issued an advisory directing manufacturers to cease any misleading advertisements or promotions that might encourage use without a prescription.

GLP-1 drugs, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, work by stimulating insulin release and suppressing excess glucagon to regulate blood sugar. They also slow gastric emptying, promote satiety, reduce appetite, and contribute to weight loss. However, these medications carry risks ranging from nausea and vomiting to severe complications, including pancreatitis, kidney injury, and bowel obstruction.

The government urged patients to consult qualified medical specialists and obtain GLP-1 drugs only through legitimate, prescription-based channels. The regulatory action comes amid rising concerns over the growing availability of multiple GLP-1 variants in retail pharmacies, online platforms, and wellness clinics across India.