Richard Hudson, Representative of North Carolina, has called for immediate action from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to halt the distribution of illegal counterfeit anti-obesity medications. “The FDA must act immediately to stop illegal counterfeit anti-obesity medications that endanger consumers across the country,” he said on X.
“Today, I led a bipartisan group of 81 colleagues in sending a letter to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary urging immediate action against the rising threat of illegal, counterfeit anti-obesity medications entering the U.S,” said Richard Lane Hudson, U.S. Representative from North Carolina. “These counterfeit products, which include unapproved versions of the active ingredients in Ozempic and Wegovy, which are often smuggled from unregistered foreign suppliers, primarily in China, and pose serious risks to American consumers.”
The rise of counterfeit anti-obesity medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy in the United States has raised significant concern among regulators and healthcare professionals. According to NBC News, the FDA has issued multiple warnings and seized fake products from both online and physical markets. The agency has launched coordinated enforcement actions to combat this surge, citing patient safety risks and a growing black-market activity fueled by high demand and limited supply of approved medications.
A 2024 FDA report indicates that there have been at least 430 confirmed cases of counterfeit Ozempic and Wegovy discovered in the U.S. market over the past year. Reports have significantly increased from both pharmacies and hospitals in major metropolitan areas.
A 2023 analysis by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security finds that most counterfeit pharmaceuticals in the U.S. originate from overseas manufacturers, particularly in China and India. Recent trends show an increase in small-package shipments through international mail and distribution via unregulated online pharmacies.
According to Ballotpedia, Richard Hudson is a Republican U.S. Representative from North Carolina’s 9th District. He serves as chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, with a policy focus on healthcare regulation, pharmaceutical safety, and public health.
