Eli Lilly and Company (India) has issued a critical patient safety warning following the seizure of counterfeit medicines labeled as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) by the Haryana drug control authority in Gurugram. This development comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny on falsified medicines across India.
Rising Demand and Counterfeit Risks
Mounjaro, a newer class of therapy for diabetes and weight loss, has seen soaring demand in India, particularly in urban areas, driven by growing awareness of obesity and metabolic disorders. This surge in popularity has unfortunately led to a rise in unauthorized sales channels, including online platforms and informal distribution networks, creating opportunities for counterfeit products to enter the market.
Eli Lilly confirmed that the seized products were falsely labeled under the Mounjaro brand, were not manufactured by the company, and did not originate from its authorized supply chain. The action by the state regulator successfully identified and recovered most of the fake stock.
Lilly's Commitment to Patient Safety
Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager of Lilly India, emphasized the company's serious stance on counterfeiting. "We recognise the efforts of the Haryana regulatory authority in addressing counterfeit medicines and supporting measures aimed at protecting patient safety," Tucker stated. "Counterfeit products are not manufactured under approved quality controls and may pose significant risks to patient safety and public health."
Lilly clarified that its patented tirzepatide molecule is marketed in India under two brand names: Mounjaro and Yurpeak. The company continues to supply genuine products through authorized distributors and licensed pharmacies without interruption, in line with regulatory directives.
How to Identify and Avoid Counterfeit Mounjaro
Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals are advised to remain vigilant. Counterfeit medicines may closely resemble genuine products but often exhibit inconsistencies. Key indicators of falsified products include:
- Products sourced from unauthorized or unlicensed sellers.
- Packs with tampered or damaged packaging.
- Missing key details such as batch numbers, expiry dates, or manufacturer information.
- Inconsistencies in packaging, including misspellings, unfamiliar logos, or label variations.
Eli Lilly urges patients to procure its products only through authorized distributors or licensed pharmacies and strictly on a valid prescription. The company is committed to working with regulators and law enforcement agencies to combat counterfeit medicines. Patients can report suspected counterfeit medicines or verify authorized distributors and pharmacies through Lilly India’s toll-free helpline.