BrandShield, a cybersecurity firm, has successfully dismantled over 250 websites selling counterfeit versions of widely sought-after weight-loss and diabetes drugs within the GLP-1 class. The firm’s CEO, Yoav Keren, disclosed these figures during an exclusive interview with Reuters.
In detail, Keren revealed that of the 279 pharmacy websites BrandShield shut down last year for marketing pharmaceuticals for metabolic conditions, over 90% dealt with counterfeit GLP-1 medications. These include popular drugs such as Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, Wegovy, Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound. Initially developed for type 2 diabetes, these GLP-1 drugs also suppress appetite and slow gastric emptying, contributing to significant weight loss. On average, patients using these drugs can lose up to 20% of their body weight.
The substantial efficacy of these drugs has triggered a sharp increase in demand, leading to a rise in the global market for their counterfeit equivalents. Instances of harm from these fake medications have emerged in at least nine countries, including Belgium, Britain, Switzerland, and the United States.
Keren expressed concern over the likelihood of criminals exploiting the drugs’ soaring popularity to push more counterfeit products. In 2022, the fraudulent GLP-1 websites represented a little over 15% of the 1,655 websites BrandShield took action against for selling fake drugs, which also covered other categories like hormone-related medications, central nervous system drugs, and cancer treatments.
