Brazil's Weight-Loss Drug Crisis: Unregulated Sales Endanger Public Health

Brazil Faces Weight-Loss Drug Crisis: Unregulated Sales of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Raise Concerns Brazil is grappling with a growing problem: the unregulated sale of weight-loss medications. A recent Jornal Nacional report highlighted the widespread availability of manipulated versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, raising serious concerns among doctors and pharmacists. These drugs, typically sold in pre-filled pens, are being illegally compounded and sold in compounding pharmacies, online, and even in some medical clinics. "Many patients are buying weight-loss drugs that are manipulated irregularly and without any oversight," warned one pharmacist interviewed in the report. This unregulated market poses a significant risk to consumers, as there's no guarantee of the drugs' purity, dosage, or safety. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of semaglutide, stated that the production of these manipulated versions constitutes patent and health infractions. Similarly, Lilly, the manufacturer of tirzepatide, voiced concerns about the safety and efficacy of these unapproved products. The Anvisa, Brazil's regulatory agency, acknowledged the issue but stated that it does not directly regulate patents. However, the agency did clarify that because the active ingredients have been approved in other medications, they can be imported and compounded. This situation highlights the urgent need for stricter regulation and increased consumer vigilance in Brazil's pharmaceutical market. The lack of oversight creates a dangerous environment for patients seeking weight-loss solutions, emphasizing the importance of obtaining medications only from trusted, authorized sources.