The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has identified 71 sources promoting or supplying products containing unapproved peptide compounds as weight loss and slimming medications.

The identified violations include 14 entities registered with local authorities. Furthermore, 14 social media influencers have been referred to the National Media Office for breaching regulations related to the online advertising and sale of pharmaceutical products.

The EDE confirmed that no distribution of unapproved peptide products was detected within authorized pharmaceutical warehouses under its oversight. Nevertheless, nationwide inspections of compounding pharmacies are ongoing in collaboration with health authorities to curb the supply of unauthorized substances.

Among the products promoted on social media and e-commerce platforms is Retatrutide, an experimental injectable weight loss drug currently in clinical trials and not yet approved for marketing or medical use in the UAE. Officials stressed that the label peptide does not guarantee that a product is safe, legal, or authorized.

EDE experts noted that some of these compounds are intended strictly for scientific research, lacking complete data on proper dosage, side effects, drug interactions, and long-term impacts. Using these substances outside of clinical trials poses significant health risks.

The establishment warned that illicit networks mislead consumers using claims like 100% natural, completely safe, or miracle cure. Products from unauthorized sources may be counterfeit, expired, incorrectly dosed, or contain hazardous materials.

Residents are advised to purchase medications exclusively from licensed pharmacies and medical facilities, ensuring products are officially registered and approved by regulatory bodies before consumption.