The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has launched enforcement action against 71 sources found to have marketed, promoted or sold unapproved peptide-based products marketed for weight loss, as part of a broader campaign to combat illegal medicines and protect public health.
The agency said the violations involved multiple categories, including 14 establishments registered with local authorities.
It also referred 14 social media influencers to the National Media Office for allegedly violating regulations governing the online promotion and sale of medicines through digital platforms.
The EDE said the products contained peptide-based active substances that have not been approved for medical use or marketing in the United Arab Emirates.
The authority said inspections have found no circulation of the unapproved peptide products in licensed pharmaceutical warehouses operating under its supervision, which it said reflects the effectiveness of the country’s regulated pharmaceutical supply chain.
The agency added that it is conducting nationwide inspections of compounding pharmacies in coordination with healthcare authorities to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations and prevent the dispensing of medicines containing unauthorized substances.
The campaign comes amid growing global demand for injectable weight-loss products and increased online promotion of experimental peptide-based drugs through social media and e-commerce platforms.
Among the products cited by the EDE is Retatrutide, an experimental weight-loss injection that remains under clinical investigation and has not been approved for marketing or medical use in the UAE.
The regulator emphasized that not all products described as peptides are approved medicines, noting that many remain in the research or clinical trial stage and are intended only for scientific use.
The EDE warned consumers against purchasing medicines from unlicensed websites or social media accounts, saying counterfeit and unauthorized products may contain harmful ingredients, incorrect dosages or improperly stored medications that could pose serious health risks.
It also cautioned that online sellers increasingly use misleading claims such as “100% natural,” “miracle cure,” and “limited stock available” to entice buyers seeking quick health solutions.
According to the authority, illegal promotion of medicines through digital platforms has become one of the biggest regulatory challenges, prompting closer monitoring of online marketplaces and social media accounts.
The EDE said it continues to coordinate with relevant authorities to block offending accounts, investigate violations and pursue legal action where warranted.
Citing estimates from the World Health Organization, the agency noted that one in 10 medicines in some markets may be counterfeit or substandard, while more than 90% of medicines sold through unauthorized online sources may be illegal or non-compliant.
The regulator urged consumers to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorized healthcare providers and to verify that products are officially registered before use.
