What's happened
Investigations reveal that illicit, unlicensed versions of Eli Lilly's experimental drug Retatrutide are being sold illegally online. Despite its status as an investigational drug still in trials, fake injections are circulating on platforms like TikTok and Telegram, with serious safety concerns highlighted by victims and health professionals.
What's behind the headline?
The proliferation of illegal Retatrutide sales exposes a dangerous gap between drug development and public access. Social media platforms like TikTok and Telegram are being exploited by sellers who promote unregulated, counterfeit products under the guise of research chemicals or 'not for human consumption.' This trend is driven by the soaring popularity of weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, which have seen sales surge sevenfold in recent months. The investigation underscores the failure of current moderation efforts, as TikTok and Meta have removed some content but the trade persists in hidden groups. The case of Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, who suffered severe health consequences after using a fake product, exemplifies the real danger. Eli Lilly has publicly condemned these illegal sales, emphasizing that Retatrutide is only available within clinical trials. The story highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness to prevent further harm, as the black market for unlicensed drugs continues to thrive online.
What the papers say
The Independent's investigation, led by Maryam Zakir-Hussain, exposes how easily fake versions of Retatrutide are being sold on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Telegram. The report details how undercover reporters purchased counterfeit injections and how sellers falsely claimed these were pharmacy-sourced or NHS-approved. Eli Lilly has issued statements condemning these illegal sales, emphasizing that Retatrutide remains an investigational drug only available in clinical trials. Meanwhile, The Guardian's coverage by Sarah Marsh highlights the broader online market driven by influencers and private groups, with thousands of members sharing guides and testimonials. Both articles reveal a pattern of exploitation of social media for illegal drug sales, despite platform efforts to remove such content. The investigation underscores the risks posed to consumers, especially given the severe health incidents reported, such as Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace's experience of vision loss after using a counterfeit product. The media coverage collectively paints a picture of a dangerous black market thriving amid rising demand for weight-loss treatments.
How we got here
Retatrutide, developed by Eli Lilly, is a promising weight-loss drug still in clinical trials. Its early results suggest it could be highly effective, leading to high demand. However, as it remains unlicensed, illegal sales and counterfeit versions have emerged, fueled by social media influencers and online marketplaces, raising significant safety risks.
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Wesley Paul William Streeting is a British politician serving as the Member of Parliament for Ilford North since 2015, and since 2020 as Shadow Minister for Schools.
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Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace is an English television personality, model, actress and columnist who emerged into the public eye in 2006 when she appeared as a contestant in the seventh series of reality television show Big Brother.
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Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 countries. The company was founded in 1876 by, and named after, Col. Eli Lilly, a