Eli Lilly and Company (India) has issued a high alert across Haryana after a significant seizure of counterfeit Mounjaro injections, valued at approximately Rs 56 lakh, was made in Gurugram. The pharmaceutical giant is urging patients and healthcare providers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing the popular diabetes and weight-loss medication.
Counterfeit Drug Bust in Gurugram
The enforcement action was conducted by the Haryana State Food and Drug Administration, which uncovered a substantial quantity of fake injections bearing the Mounjaro brand name. These counterfeit products, confirmed by Eli Lilly to be sophisticated fakes, did not originate from the company’s authorised supply chain and were not subjected to its rigorous quality control standards, posing a significant risk to patient safety.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the seized items were not manufactured by Eli Lilly. The company has stated that while the majority of these counterfeit products have been recovered by investigators, the incident underscores a growing threat from illicit pharmaceutical trade impacting public health.
Eli Lilly Emphasizes Patient Safety Amidst Fraudulent Products
Winslow Tucker, President and General Manager of Eli Lilly and Company (India), acknowledged the efforts of the regulatory authorities while stressing the critical nature of the situation. “Counterfeit products may pose significant risks to patient safety and public health,” Tucker stated. He added that the company is committed to protecting patients globally from the dangers of counterfeit and other unsafe products, working collaboratively with regulators and law enforcement agencies.
Eli Lilly also clarified that its patented tirzepatide molecule, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, is officially marketed in India under two brand names: Mounjaro and Yurpeak. The company reiterated its dedication to maintaining the integrity of its drug supply chain and ensuring patient access to genuine, high-quality medications.
Guidance for Identifying and Procuring Authentic Mounjaro
To assist patients and caregivers in identifying potentially fraudulent medicines, Eli Lilly has provided specific red flags to watch out for. These include purchasing products from unauthorised online vendors or “grey market” sellers, which are considered high-risk sources. Packaging that appears tampered with, such as resealed or damaged boxes, or those exhibiting inconsistencies with official branding, should also raise suspicion.
Furthermore, the absence of essential information such as a batch number, expiry date, or manufacturer details on the packaging can be indicative of a counterfeit product. Patients are also advised to scrutinise the printing quality, looking for spelling errors, unfamiliar logos, or labels that deviate from those previously dispensed. Such discrepancies could signal that the product is not genuine.
To ensure the procurement of authentic Lilly products, the manufacturer strongly advises obtaining medications exclusively through authorised distributors and licensed pharmacies. A valid medical prescription remains a mandatory requirement for purchasing Mounjaro and Yurpeak in India.
In the event that a patient suspects they have received a counterfeit product, or wishes to verify the legitimacy of a distributor, Eli Lilly has provided direct contact channels. The company’s toll-free helpline is 1800 123 0021, and queries can also be directed via email to mailbox_in-gps@lilly.com. Eli Lilly has confirmed that the supply of genuine Mounjaro and Yurpeak through its verified channels remains uninterrupted, assuring patients of continued access to safe and effective treatments.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
