Pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly has filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission against companies around the world that it alleges are importing, selling, and distributing unapproved versions of its weight-loss drug, Mounjaro. The company claims that these knock-offs, which are often found to contain impurities, are being marketed and sold unlawfully. [776d89c6]
The European Union is also investigating AliExpress, a subsidiary of Alibaba, over allegations of selling counterfeit drugs. The EU authorities have requested the company to provide an explanation by November 27th. [1b3e957a]
The issue of counterfeit drugs is a global problem that affects both the pharmaceutical industry and consumers. Counterfeit drugs pose serious risks to public health as they may contain harmful substances or incorrect ingredients. The demand for weight-loss drugs and other pharmaceutical products creates an opportunity for opportunists to step in and profit from selling unapproved and potentially dangerous medications. Both Eli Lilly and the EU are taking action to combat the sale and distribution of counterfeit drugs, but more efforts are needed to ensure the safety and integrity of the pharmaceutical market. [776d89c6] [1b3e957a]
The European Union has launched an investigation into Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress to determine what measures it is taking to protect consumers from illegal products, including fake medicines. The investigation is part of the EU's new Digital Services Act, which aims to combat the spread of illegal goods and content online. The EU wants to know how AliExpress plans to comply with obligations related to risk assessments and mitigation measures to protect consumers. The investigation comes as the EU has implemented strict regulations on tech giants, including AliExpress, to ensure the removal of illegal or unsafe products sold online. The European Medicines Agency recently warned of the circulation of fake medicines, including fake injection pens of the diabetes drug Ozempic, in Europe. The EU's investigation into AliExpress is the latest move in its efforts to challenge the power of Big Tech and protect consumers online. [776d89c6] [1b3e957a] [fc253cec]
The European Commission has requested information from AliExpress regarding the measures the Chinese online retailer takes against the online distribution of illegal products, such as counterfeit medicines. This request is in line with the application of the new European Digital Services Act (DSA). AliExpress must submit the requested information by November 27, and the Commission will decide on any further steps based on that information. Refusal to cooperate or providing false, incomplete, or misleading information may result in financial sanctions. [260fea98]
The Coimbatore city police have stepped up efforts to stop the illegal sale of pills, particularly painkillers and sedatives, to college students. Deputy City Police Commissioner R Stalin urged medical shop owners to install CCTV cameras and not sell these pills without a doctor's prescription. Assistant Police Commissioner Parthiban emphasized the need for medical shops to contact the police if they suspect fake prescriptions. Around 170 people and drug inspectors participated in a meeting to discuss these measures. [d68bf0cb]