Fake Weight Loss Drugs: Cybersecurity Firm Cracks Down On 250 Websites Selling Fake GLP-1 Drugs Sold Online

In a significant crackdown on counterfeit drugs, cybersecurity firm BrandShield closed down over 250 websites selling fake versions of popular weight-loss and diabetes medications in the GLP-1 class last year. These websites were found to be peddling bogus versions of drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound.

GLP-1 drugs, initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, have gained popularity for their additional benefits, including weight loss. However, the surge in demand has led to a burgeoning market for counterfeit versions. These fake drugs not only deceive consumers but also pose serious health risks. Reports of harm linked to counterfeit GLP-1s have emerged from nine countries, including Belgium, India, Britain, Switzerland, and the United States.

Last year, BrandShield’s efforts resulted in the closure of 279 pharmacy websites selling counterfeit drugs, with over 90% of them related to GLP-1 medicines. This marked a significant increase from 2022, when only 34 such sites were identified.

Collaborating with the Pharmaceutical Security Institute (PSI), BrandShield targeted websites selling counterfeit drugs, including those in the GLP-1 class. By collecting evidence of counterfeit products and submitting it to hosting service providers, BrandShield effectively shut down these illegal operations.

Moreover, BrandShield’s actions extend beyond websites to social media platforms, where they removed nearly 4,000 listings for fake drugs last year. Facebook accounted for nearly 60% of these listings, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue.

In total, BrandShield eliminated over 6,900 illegal drug listings across social media platforms and marketplaces, including nearly 1,000 marketplaces in India.