Better regulation and enforcement urged before launch of oral treatments, which criminals are likely to try to exploit
Experts are warning that fake weight-loss treatments could become more prevalent as tablet forms of the medications, currently available only via injections in the UK, are launched.
They say stronger regulation and enforcement are needed to prevent fraudsters from cashing in on tablets which will be easier to counterfeit.
While pill forms of weight-loss medications are expected to be much cheaper, and hence more accessible than injectable versions, experts have warned they are also an easier target for fraudsters.
“Pills are much easier prey for scammers than injectables as they require relatively accessible equipment to manufacture the pill – something to mix the powders and a pill press – and can provide the scope for vast production,” said Bhavik Patel, a professor of clinical and bioanalytical chemistry at the University of Brighton.
