Overview
- Unlicensed versions of retatrutide, a potent peptide targeting GLP-1, GIP and glucagon, are being made in Chinese labs and sold on websites labeled for “research” use.
- Lib Dem MP Layla Moran called the trade a serious public-health threat and pressed the MHRA to intensify action against illegal weight-loss injections.
- The MHRA recently shut an illicit UK site near Northampton, seizing raw ingredients, tens of thousands of empty pens and more than 2,000 unlicensed retatrutide and Mounjaro pens.
- Eli Lilly and the MHRA warn buyers cannot know what illicit products contain, with Lilly saying it is pursuing action against two online sellers and platforms removing some flagged adverts.
- Social videos and forum posts promote access and link to suppliers, users report side effects, and early trials have shown up to about 24% weight loss pending larger safety results and potential approval no earlier than 2026–2027.