Compounded versions of GLP-1 injectable treatments for diabetes and obesity have surged in popularity despite a lack the safety and efficacy assurances. The FDA has warned that these knockoff versions sometimes contain illicit semaglutide or tirzepatide—the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in weight loss drugs.

Working with George Karavetsos, former director of FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations and a federal prosecutor, PSM analyzed the FDA’s import records and related databases to investigate the origin, legality, and intended use behind the weight loss drug ingredients entering the U.S.

We found a troubling influx of unauthorized weight loss drug ingredients, many intended for compounded versions, entering the U.S. from illegal foreign sources.

Learn about the problem with this two-page handout or read the entire report.