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Counterfeit versions of unapproved weight-loss drug retatrutide spread on black market

Regulators and drugmaker Eli Lilly target illicit sellers as health experts warn against taking untested copycat injections

Updated Sep 5, 2026 · 00:19 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Illicit and counterfeit versions of retatrutide, an experimental weight-loss drug still in clinical testing, are circulating widely on the black market before obtaining regulatory approval.[BBC News]
  • Medical professionals report that patients have been hospitalized with severe side effects, including gastrointestinal issues and kidney failure, after injecting unregulated copycat products.[BBC News]
  • Drugmaker Eli Lilly has reported over 14,000 online listings and promotional posts as it collaborates with authorities to stop unauthorized distribution.[BBC News]
  • Real retatrutide remains unapproved worldwide, with potential regulatory clearance not expected in the United States until late 2027 at the earliest.[BBC News]

Key facts

  • Retatrutide has not received regulatory approval from any authority for human use, but counterfeit versions are being sold illicitly.[BBC News]
  • Eli Lilly has flagged more than 14,000 websites, advertisements, and social media posts for illicitly marketing retatrutide.[BBC News]
  • Endocrinologist Prof Donal O'Shea reported that patients using unregulated products have presented to hospitals with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in some cases kidney failure.[BBC News]
  • If eventually approved, retatrutide would be the first obesity treatment to target three hormone receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon.[BBC News]
  • Eli Lilly intends to submit an FDA application early next year, with US availability unlikely before late 2027 and UK approval potentially by 2028.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • Only 50% of medications undergoing Phase III clinical trials in the United States ultimately secure FDA approval, leaving the final regulatory outcome for retatrutide uncertain.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.