ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has announced a nationwide enforcement campaign targeting the illegal sale and promotion of unapproved peptide-based weight-loss products, as regulators step up efforts to protect consumers from unsafe medicines marketed online.
The authority said it identified 71 sources involved in marketing, selling or promoting unauthorized products containing peptide-based active ingredients. Enforcement measures have also been initiated against 14 establishments, while 14 social media influencers have been referred to the National Media Office over alleged breaches of regulations governing the online promotion of medicines.
The action comes amid growing international concern over the rapid rise of peptide-based weight-loss injections promoted through social media platforms and online marketplaces without regulatory approval.
Nationwide pharmacy inspections underway
The Emirates Drug Establishment said inspections are being carried out across compounding pharmacies in coordination with health authorities throughout the UAE to verify compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.
Officials said the inspections are intended to ensure that medicines dispensed to patients meet approved quality and safety standards and do not contain unauthorized active substances.
The regulator also confirmed that no unapproved peptide products have been detected within licensed pharmaceutical warehouses operating under its supervision, highlighting the effectiveness of the country’s regulated pharmaceutical supply chain.
Online sales remain the biggest challenge
According to the authority, the most significant threat comes from digital platforms where unlicensed medicines are marketed directly to consumers through websites, messaging applications and social media.
Regulators warned that online advertisements frequently use misleading claims, including promises of rapid weight loss, miracle treatments and “all-natural” formulations, despite lacking scientific or regulatory approval.
The EDE said it continues to monitor digital platforms, coordinate with relevant authorities to remove illegal content and pursue legal action against individuals or organizations violating UAE pharmaceutical regulations.
Consumers urged to buy only from licensed pharmacies
Health officials are advising residents to purchase medicines exclusively from licensed pharmacies and authorized healthcare providers.
The authority stressed that medicines obtained from unofficial online sellers may be counterfeit, improperly stored, contain incorrect dosages or include ingredients that have not been approved for human use.
Officials also reminded consumers that professional-looking packaging and advertising do not guarantee a product’s authenticity or safety.
Experimental weight-loss drugs under scrutiny
Among the products drawing increased regulatory attention is Retatrutide, an experimental injectable treatment currently undergoing clinical research internationally.
The Emirates Drug Establishment emphasized that the medicine has not been approved for marketing or medical use in the UAE, warning consumers against purchasing or using experimental products promoted online without regulatory authorization.
The authority also noted that many peptide-based compounds advertised on the internet remain in clinical research or are intended solely for laboratory use rather than therapeutic treatment.
Global concerns over counterfeit medicines
The enforcement campaign reflects broader international efforts to combat counterfeit and unauthorized medicines.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), counterfeit and substandard medicines remain a significant global public health concern, while medicines sold through unauthorized online channels carry a substantially higher risk of being falsified or non-compliant with regulatory standards.
Health authorities said counterfeit medicines can pose serious risks, including ineffective treatment, harmful ingredients, incorrect dosages and potentially dangerous side effects.
What residents should know
The Emirates Drug Establishment is encouraging residents to verify that medicines are officially registered before purchasing them and to consult qualified healthcare professionals before starting any weight-loss treatment.
Officials also urged the public to avoid buying medicines through social media accounts, unofficial websites or other unlicensed digital platforms, emphasizing that regulatory oversight remains the strongest safeguard for patient safety.
