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Illegal Weight-Loss Medicines Face Regulatory Crackdown

Illegal weight-loss medicines face tighter scrutiny as regulators revise compounding rules and manufacturers demand stronger enforcement.
Illegal weight-loss medicines in South Africa face tighter SAHPRA regulation and enforcement.
Image | Piya Wichienchai | Adobe Stock/2086526517

Illegal weight-loss medicines are facing increased scrutiny as pharmaceutical manufacturers demand stronger law enforcement and regulators prepare tighter rules governing compounded obesity treatments.

The Pharmaceutical Task Group (PTG) has called for prosecutions against individuals and businesses selling unregistered medicines. Meanwhile, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and South African Pharmacy Council are developing updated compounding standards.

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