In South Africa, there is an alleged sale of unauthorized weight loss drugs among social media influencers, hairdressers, and gym trainers. Among these is an experimental treatment for obesity that has not been approved by any country in the world.
Representatives of the Pharmaceutical Target Group (PTG) have called on law enforcement agencies to take action against this illegal trade, warning that consumers are at risk due to potentially dangerous medications. The Chairman of PTG, Stavros Nicolaou, raised this alarm during a roundtable discussion on counterfeit medicines on Wednesday, October 14th.
Experimental weight loss drug being openly sold
Nicolaou specifically highlighted Retatrutide, which is an experimental agent for combating obesity and is being developed by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. This drug is still undergoing clinical trials and has not been approved by any drug regulator for general use.
According to Nicolaou, this unregistered treatment is being distributed through social media influencers, trainers, and hairdressers. PTG represents associations of pharmaceutical manufacturers whose companies account for over 80% of all medicines used in South Africa. Nicolaou demanded increased control over sellers of unregistered medicines, especially when evidence of illegal activity has already been presented to law enforcement.
Consumers face health risks
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) issued a warning regarding unregistered weight loss products sold through social media and unofficial channels. These goods have not undergone the necessary regulatory checks to confirm their safety, quality, and efficacy.
Buyers of such products cannot be certain about the contents of the claimed ingredients, the correctness of the dosage, or whether they were manufactured and stored safely. Retatrutide remains an investigational substance and is not an approved substitute for registered prescription medications. SAHPRA had previously warned that unauthorized medicines advertised as weight loss aids can pose serious health threats to consumers.
Illegal drugs disguised as cosmetics
Authorities are also concerned about how unregistered medicines enter South Africa. Commissioner and CEO of Border Control Michael Masiapato reported that some medicines were imported with misleading customs declarations, including products declared as cosmetics.
SAHPRA has confiscated illegal medicines, initiated criminal cases, and referred medical professionals involved in illegal distribution to their professional councils. However, the regulator noted that the prosecution of criminal cases depends on other institutions, including the police and the public prosecutor's office.
Pharmacies also under scrutiny
The South African Pharmacy Council is reviewing regulations governing the preparation of compounded medicines. Registrar and CEO of the Council, Vincent Tlala, expressed concern that pharmacies are preparing medicines based on anticipated demand rather than for specific patients. Revised standards are expected to be reviewed in February 2027, with publication planned for March 2027.