Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside a coalition of 38 states and territories, has called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address the issue of counterfeit weight loss and diabetes drugs. The demand for GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Wegovy has increased significantly, leading to shortages and high costs that create opportunities for counterfeiters.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the need for FDA intervention: "In California and across the country, a growing number of individuals are turning to weight loss drugs. My fellow attorneys general and I are urging the FDA to protect consumers from the growing threat posed by adulterated or counterfeit versions of these drugs."

The coalition's letter outlines several actions for the FDA. They suggest collaboration with federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security to prevent counterfeit GLP-1 drugs from entering the U.S. market. These counterfeit products may contain harmful substances or incorrect dosages that pose risks to consumers who often cannot verify their medication's authenticity.

Additionally, they urge the FDA to send warning letters to online retailers selling GLP-1 active ingredients without prescriptions under misleading claims like "for research purposes only." Such practices force consumers to formulate medications themselves, increasing safety risks.

The coalition also highlights concerns about compounding pharmacies producing GLP-1 medications due to drug shortages. They call for stricter enforcement in partnership with state pharmacy boards to ensure safe production practices.

Attorney General Bonta is joined by his counterparts from various states including Colorado, South Carolina, Illinois, Tennessee, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Nevada New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island Utah Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin District Columbia Virgin Islands

A copy of the letter is available online.