Source: ET
Subject: Science and Technology
Context: The Indian government has intensified surveillance and inspected 49 businesses following the flooding of the market with generic GLP-1 drugs and a significant drop in their prices.
About GLP-1 Drugs:
What It Is?
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic a natural hormone produced in the intestines.
- In India, these medicines are strictly regulated and can only be prescribed by endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists, and cardiologists.
Developed By:
- These drugs were originally developed by global pharmaceutical companies (such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly) to manage chronic metabolic conditions.
- Recently, generic versions produced by various manufacturers have flooded the market, leading to increased accessibility and crashing prices.
Aim:
- The primary objective of GLP-1 drugs is to treat Type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin production.
- They are also specifically approved for the medical management of obesity.
Key Characteristics:
- Hormone Mimicry: They function by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: They stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas in response to rising blood glucose levels.
- Digestion Satiety: These drugs slow down gastric emptying, making the patient feel full for a longer duration.
- Diverse Formulations: Available as both injectable and oral medications depending on the specific generic or brand version.
Misuse:
- Unauthorised Sale: Growing on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, and wellness clinics without proper medical oversight.
- Improper Prescriptions: Instances of drugs being sold without valid prescriptions from the authorized specialist categories.
