The French Medicines Agency (ANSM) has intensified its crackdown on websites illegally marketing products presented as anti-obesity and diabetes treatments, following the discovery of a growing number of misleading and potentially dangerous online listings.
In September, the regulator revealed that it had identified 10 commercial websites advertising products falsely claiming to belong to the GLP-1 analogue family.
These drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Trulicity and Mounjaro, mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. They are strictly prescription-only medications available exclusively through authorised pharmacies.
ANSM stressed that these online products are not only illegal but also pose significant health risks. None of the websites involved were authorised to distribute prescription medicines, and several were found to be selling unverified substances falsely labelled as GLP-1 treatments.
To curb these illicit activities, ANSM ordered the immediate removal of the products from the platforms involved. The agency also referred the matter to the public prosecutor and notified the Interior Ministry’s Pharos platform, which monitors and reports illegal content online.
In its latest update issued on Wednesday, ANSM confirmed that several major e-commerce sites, including eBay, Cdiscount and Amazon, have complied with requests to remove misleading advertisements. The agency welcomed the swift action from these platforms, noting that such cooperation is essential to protecting public health.
However, the crackdown revealed a more complex challenge involving lesser-known websites operated by Hong Kong-based companies Hamjouy Limited and Zongest Limited. According to ANSM, these companies continued to market and distribute fraudulent products even after initial warnings were issued.
As a result, the agency is now implementing “health policy measures” to suspend all activities linked to the sale of these products. This includes halting marketing, distribution, possession for sale, import, export, exploitation and advertising associated with the fraudulent substances.
ANSM emphasised that these strong measures are necessary given the scale of the deception and the potential dangers associated with unregulated pharmaceutical products. Counterfeit or unauthorised GLP-1 drugs can contain incorrect dosages, unsafe ingredients or contaminants that may seriously harm consumers.
The agency also reminded the public that any medication claiming to be a GLP-1 analogue must be obtained only with a valid medical prescription. Individuals are urged to avoid purchasing medicines online unless using authorised and verified platforms such as official pharmacy websites.
French health authorities continue to monitor online platforms closely, as demand for weight-loss treatments such as Ozempic and Wegovy has surged in recent years. This increased interest has created an opportunity for fraudulent sellers, prompting regulators across Europe to strengthen surveillance of online drug markets.
With the new measures in place, ANSM says it remains committed to protecting public health and combating illegal practices that exploit vulnerable consumers seeking medical treatments outside legitimate healthcare channels.