Centre warns pharma companies against promoting weight-loss drugs among public through ads

NEW DELHI: The Centre has warned pharmaceutical companies against promoting prescription weight-loss GLP-1 drugs – popularly sold under brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro – through advertisements or “disease awareness” campaigns that indirectly encourage their use among the public.In an advisory, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation said it had come to its notice that some firms were engaging in direct or indirect promotional activities related to GLP-1 receptor agonists and similar prescription medicines used for obesity and metabolic conditions.The regulator said such medicines could be prescribed only by registered medical practitioners and any attempt to promote them to the general public could attract action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.The advisory cautioned companies against advertisements that exaggerate their therapeutic benefits, guarantee weight loss or encourage demand for drug therapy while downplaying lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and behavioural interventions.The health authorities emphasised that obesity was a chronic metabolic condition requiring comprehensive management, including lifestyle measures, and pharmaceutical therapy should not be portrayed in a way that undermines public health initiatives promoting physical activity and healthy diet.The regulator also said that promotional campaigns presented as “awareness initiatives” but functioning as surrogate advertisements for prescription medicines would be treated as misleading marketing practices.Drug manufacturers, importers and marketing authorisation holders have been asked to strictly comply with Drugs and Cosmetics Act and related rules. The regulator directed companies to ensure patient information leaflets and prescribing information clearly display authorised contact det-ails and grievance mechanisms. Firms have also been asked to follow ethical marketing practices and submit risk-management plans.The advisory has been circulated to all stakeholders, including Advertising Standards Council of India, for compliance.