India’s drug regulators have stepped up surveillance of weight-loss injections amid the flood of cheap generic versions hitting the market. The move targets unauthorized sales and misleading promotion across the supply chain.

The scrutiny followed the March 20 expiry of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide patent in India. Companies including Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s, Alkem, Torrent, Cipla, Zydus Lifesciences and Glenmark have launched generic versions priced 50 to 80 percent below the innovator drug, according to Mint.

The Drugs Controller General of India has conducted inspections at 49 entities, including online pharmacies, wholesalers, retailers and slimming clinics. Notices have been issued for violations, and regulators have warned of licence cancellations, penalties and prosecution.

The ministry said the drugs can only be sold on a doctor’s prescription. They are approved for prescription by endocrinologists and internal medicine specialists, and for some indications by cardiologists. Manufacturers have been barred from indirect promotion that could mislead consumers or encourage off-label use.

Continued enforcement is expected as regulators try to keep rapid expansion of the market from putting patient safety at risk.