Centre Tightens Rules for GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drug Advertisements
States and Union Territories asked to strengthen monitoring of supply chains, enforce prescription only access, and prevent surrogate advertising of obesity medicines.
New Delhi, Aug 05 : The Union government has stepped up regulatory oversight of GLP-1 based medicines used for obesity treatment, directing drug authorities across all States and Union Territories to intensify monitoring of their manufacture, distribution, sale and promotional activities. The move is aimed at preventing surrogate advertising, misleading awareness campaigns and the misuse of prescription-only medicines.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has authorised glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists only for the treatment of adults with Type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management in eligible adults with specific medical conditions.
The minister clarified that these medicines are not intended for unrestricted use and can be dispensed only against prescriptions issued by endocrinologists or internal medicine specialists. She added that approved product information includes detailed safety warnings to reduce the risk of inappropriate consumption and ensure patients use the drugs only under medical supervision.
Addressing concerns over increasing promotional activities surrounding weight-loss medicines, Patel informed the House that the CDSCO issued an advisory on March 10, 2026, to manufacturers, importers and marketing authorisation holders. The advisory instructed companies to comply strictly with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and ensure that the manufacture, sale and distribution of these medicines remain limited to their approved medical indications.
The advisory also bans surrogate advertising and any direct or indirect promotional practices that could encourage consumers to use prescription medicines without consulting qualified healthcare professionals. This restriction extends to disease-awareness campaigns, online promotions and other digital outreach initiatives that may blur the distinction between public health information and product marketing.
To reinforce compliance, the CDSCO issued a second advisory on March 27, 2026, directing State and Union Territory drug controllers to strengthen regulatory checks throughout the supply chain. Authorities have been asked to ensure that manufacturing, import, distribution and retail sale take place only through authorised channels while maintaining strict adherence to approved product labelling and usage conditions.
The Centre said these measures are intended to safeguard public health, prevent misuse of high-risk prescription medicines and ensure that patients receive GLP-1 therapies only under appropriate medical guidance.
