Multifactor Quality and Safety Analysis of Semaglutide Products Sold by Online Sellers Without a Prescription: Market Surveillance, Content Analysis, and Product Purchase Evaluation Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Over the past 4 decades, obesity has escalated into a global epidemic, with its worldwide prevalence nearly tripling. Pharmacological treatments have evolved with the recent development of glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, such as semaglutide. However, off-label use of drugs such as Ozempic for cosmetic weight loss has surged in popularity, raising concerns about potential misuse and the emergence of substandard and falsified products in the unregulated supply chain.

Objective

This study aims to conduct a multifactor investigation of product quality and patient safety risks associated with the unregulated online sale of semaglutide by examining product availability and vendor characteristics and assessing product quality through test purchases.

Methods

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SUBMITTER: Ashraf AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11582493 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature