Doctor Michael Villa on Thursday raised alarm on the growing circulation of counterfeit and unregulated drugs targeting obesity and diabetes.
Villa, a former president of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, issued the warning as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized tirzepatide for local use.
“We are happy that the FDA recognizes the benefits and has granted approval that will provide us with the necessary new medications,” Villa said.
“It’s time for a change in strategy… We are losing the war on obesity,” he added.
Despite the approval of tirzepatide, the endocrinologist relayed his concern about compounded GLP-1 products that continue to circulate in the market without authorization. He said these substances are not registered with the government and do not undergo the safety checks required for approved medication.
Reports have surfaced of people experiencing serious gastrointestinal reactions after using unregulated mixtures promoted online.
“Obesity is a serious medical condition, not a matter of self-discipline. Now that an FDA-approved option is available, the public must protect themselves from dangerous substitutes,” Villa concluded.
