Partly from Austria – Germany: Fake slimming injections appeared

The Austrian Federal Agency for Healthcare Safety (BASG) said there is no evidence so far that the counterfeits have reached patients in Austria. According to BASG, the products in question were intended for export outside the EU, but it cannot be ruled out that such counterfeit medicines are also in the distribution chains in Austria.

199 packs from Austrian wholesaler
According to an advertisement from the Freiburg Regional Council, 199 packages originally came from an Austrian wholesaler and were delivered to another pharmaceutical dealer in Britain in early September 2023. There the medicines were recognized as counterfeit. There was also no evidence in Germany that patients had received counterfeits, the responsible Federal Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices (BfArM) announced on Wednesday evening. Pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers must also open and inspect packages.

In the photos provided by the authorities, the original pen is light blue and the fakes are dark blue, and the design is also different. On the original syringe the injection button at the end of the syringe is gray, on the counterfeit it is blue. If suspicious packages are found, the responsible supervisory authorities should be notified.

“Significant health risks”
The focus of the investigation is a pharmaceutical wholesaler in the southwest of Baden-Württemberg. There is a suspicion that the company from the Lörrach district dealt in the forgeries, the Lörrach department of the Freiburg Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Wednesday.

The German regional council warned about the suspected counterfeit preparations at the end of last week. The counterfeits most likely posed “significant health risks.” The regional council reported that it cannot be ruled out that several counterfeit packages are being sold in Germany. There are also indications that the supply chain is also affecting other countries.

Distribution channels are still being determined
The Public Prosecution Service reports that it is still investigating whether the pharmaceutical wholesaler in the southwest also marketed the allegedly counterfeit medicine in Germany or supplied it to companies there. This also includes the exact sales channels and internal responsibilities. An investigation is underway in the case; the name of the company or its exact location are not mentioned. “The criminal investigation is expected to take some time,” the statement said.

Diabetes medication for weight loss
Ozempic is a preparation based on the active substance semaglutide from the manufacturer Novo Nordisk. It is approved as a diabetes drug in Austria. The active ingredient can also be used as an aid in weight loss, especially in people who are seriously overweight. The Austrian Diabetes Association (ÖDG) had already called for a halt to the prescription of diabetes drugs such as Ozempic for weight-loss therapies in the summer. When contacted on Tuesday, Novo Nordisk announced that there had been a significant increase in illegal online sales.

Novo warned Nordisk again on Thursday. “Any case of counterfeiting that comes to our attention is investigated and reported to authorities in accordance with applicable regulations.” The popular slimming injection Wegovy and the diabetes drug Ozempic both contain the active ingredient semaglutide, which helps lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure. appetite, Wegovy but in a higher dosage.

Authorities warn against online orders
The BASG warned “strongly and urgently” against any unauthorized ordering of Ozempic on the internet. Real Ozempic can only be purchased with a prescription and dispensed through a community pharmacy. The BASG also reminded pharmacies that before the medicine is dispensed to patients, the secondary packaging must always be checked for authenticity using the electronic security feature, as part of the serialization and verification of medicines.

At the beginning of September, the information platform Watchlist Internet warned Ozempic, Wegovy & Co of fake shops on the Internet. Although the medications require a prescription, none of the stores require a prescription. On the contrary: it is usually advertised that no prescription is required. Anyone ordering from one of these stores should note that the goods will either not be shipped at all or will be confiscated by customs. But even if the drugs arrive, they could be dangerous to health, it has been warned. In addition, medicines are sold that have not (yet) been approved in Austria. This is currently the case with the weight loss injection Wegovy, Watchlist Internet warned. Some fake stores were also listed, for example reisenapothekeonline.com or medizinonlinekaufen.com.