US FDA tightens control over obesity drug ingredient imports amid safety concerns

(Reuters) -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is tightening oversight of imports of GLP-1 drug ingredients, used for weight loss and diabetes, amid concerns that many of the items may be adulterated and pose a safety risk.

The move comes as the FDA cracks down on unapproved compounded drugs, which had filled the gap during shortages of patented treatments. Soaring demand for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly’s obesity drugs has fueled a booming global market for cheaper, and sometimes even counterfeit versions.

The health regulator said it had previously identified serious concerns with compounded weight-loss drugs, including dosing errors, use of unapproved salt forms and side effects, with some requiring hospitalization.

As part of its heightened scrutiny, the FDA sent an import alert on