Americans for Safe and Effective Medicines (ASEM) has issued the below statement following CBS’ investigation of two deaths reportedly stemming from illicit products sold as retatrutide.
Attributable to Fred H. Mills, Jr., PharmD, Chief Policy Officer for ASEM:
“These deaths are deeply alarming and demand immediate investigation. While the circumstances surrounding these deaths remain unclear, they raise urgent questions about a growing black market where illegal sellers are exploiting demand for next-generation weight-loss treatments and marketing unapproved products without any safeguards. The risks associated with this illicit marketplace cannot be dismissed as theoretical, and the potential consequences for patients are serious. Americans for Safe and Effective Medicines urges the FDA to work with its federal and state enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate these reports, crack down on illegal sellers and distributors, and take decisive action to protect patients.”
Americans for Safe and Effective Medicines advocates for clear standards, transparency, and strong oversight across the pharmaceutical supply chain.