THE South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has expressed its concerns about the ‘proliferation of falsified, compounded and substandard Glucagon-like Peptide (GLP-1)-containing products’ available on the local market.

This, the regulatory watchdog said, was being made available to the public via websites, social media platforms and other informal channels.

Of the registered products that contain GLP-1 agonists, SAHPRA has noted with concern the number of compounded, substandard and/or falsified versions of Ozempic and Mounjaro.

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“Ozempic is registered in South Africa for the treatment of adults with Type 2 Diabetes to reduce blood sugar levels for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Ozempic is not registered in South Africa for weight management,” SAHPRA said in a statement.

“Mounjaro is indicated for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus but has not yet been imported into and placed on the market in South Africa through Eli Lilly and Company distribution channels. Mounjaro is currently not registered in South Africa for weight management.”

Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, SAHPRA CEO, stressed that safeguarding the well-being of the South African public remains a primary concern for the regulatory authority.

“SAHPRA is monitoring the supply chain as well as the online platforms for unregistered, substandard and falsified medicines containing or claiming to contain semaglutide. We are also investigating any contraventions relating to Medicines and Related Substances,” she said.

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She added that pharmacists, medical doctors and other healthcare professionals who are considering the use of non-registered and falsified products, should be aware that these medicines have not been reviewed by SAHPRA for quality, safety or efficacy.

The public is urged to report any suspected products that are falsely claiming to be available or sold like Ozempic and/or Mounjaro.

• You can report through these whistle-blower platforms: SAHPRA’s 24-hour hotline (0800 204 307) or via its web-reporting facility (https://bit.ly/3nrku5t).

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