It is time for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to exercise its authority and reign in the unregulated manufacturing of GLP-1 drugs, which are more commonly known as weight loss drugs.

As demand for name brand GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic and Wegovy drugs has risen, an unregulated manufacturing market has developed. Counterfeit GLP-1 drugs have become widely accessible. These counterfeit versions are not subject to FDA regulations.

Even more unsettling are the reports that counterfeit versions of these drugs have been their way into the U.S. supply chain from various foreign sources — including China, Turkey and India. These unregulated foreign products can contain dangerous levels of active ingredients as well as unknown contaminants.

Simply put, the unregulated drug market is not safe for United States consumers. The FDA and our federal elected officials need to use their respective authorities to stop this unregulated market in order to ensure the health and safety of our citizens.

Cristi Lynne Waltz

East Freedom