India Warns Pharma Firms Against Indirect Promotion Of GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 08:46 IST

GLP-1 receptor agonists have gained global attention for their weight-loss benefits. In India, the segment currently has two multinational players – Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

India’s drug regulator has issued a warning to pharmaceutical companies against indirectly promoting GLP-1 weight-loss drugs through public awareness campaigns. The move comes in response to drugmakers ramping up obesity messaging across television, cricket broadcasts, and digital platforms.

In an advisory issued on March 10, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) said it had received information that “certain pharmaceutical companies" may be engaging in direct or indirect promotional activities related to GLP-1 or anti-obesity drugs.

“It has been brought to the notice of this Directorate that certain pharmaceutical companies may be engaging in direct or indirect (surrogate) promotional activities, including disease awareness campaigns, digital media outreach, and other communications, relating to GLP-1 receptor agonists and similar prescription drugs indicated for obesity and metabolic disorders," the advisory said without naming the drugmakers.

GLP-1 receptor agonists – a class of medicines used for diabetes and obesity – have gained global attention for their weight-loss benefits. In India, the segment currently has two multinational players – Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

Both companies have recently stepped-up public-facing campaigns highlighting obesity as a medical condition requiring treatment. Eli Lilly aired obesity awareness advertisements during high-viewership cricket broadcasts, including ad slots during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, encouraging viewers to recognise obesity as a disease and consult doctors. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk has run disease awareness initiatives around obesity through campaigns such as “WeGoWithYou" and outreach around World Obesity Day, urging people living with obesity to seek medical advice.

While such campaigns typically do not name specific medicines, the regulator cautioned that they may still amount to indirect promotion of prescription drugs.

“Any form of advertisement, whether direct or indirect, which promotes prescription-only medicines to the general public, exaggerates therapeutic efficacy, suggests assured or guaranteed weight loss outcomes, downplays lifestyle modification measures (diet, exercise, behavioural interventions), or induces demand for pharmacological therapy, may amount to misleading promotion," the advisory said.

News18 has reached out to Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk for comment. The story will be updated once their responses are received.

Regulator warns of action

The regulator also warned that promotional activities presented as public education campaigns could face regulatory scrutiny.

“Any promotional activity, including so-called ‘awareness campaigns,’ that functions as a surrogate advertisement for prescription-only drugs shall be viewed seriously and may be treated as irrational or misleading marketing practice," the advisory signed by Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, DCGI said.

The advisory emphasised that obesity is a chronic metabolic condition requiring comprehensive management and cautioned against portraying medicines as substitutes for lifestyle changes.

“Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition requiring comprehensive management, including lifestyle interventions. Pharmaceutical therapy, where indicated, must not be projected in a manner that undermines public health initiatives promoting diet control, physical activity, and preventive healthcare measures," the regulator said.

Manufacturers, importers and marketing authorisation holders have been asked to ensure strict compliance with provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and related rules governing promotion of prescription medicines. The communication has also been shared with the “Advertising Standards Council of India" for oversight of advertising practices.

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