A major pharmaceutical company is warning Canadians about black market sales of an “unapproved and illegal” obesity drug. According to Lilly Canada, illicit versions of its experimental drug retatrutide are being sold online and via social media sites. “Retatrutide has not yet been approved for human use by Health Canada or any other regulatory agency in the world,” the company cautioned in a news release. “It cannot be lawfully sold to consumers in Canada or elsewhere. Despite this, a black market for unapproved and illegal retatrutide exists globally.” Retatrutide is being developed by American drugmaker Eli Lilly and Company to treat obesity, Type 2 diabetes and other related conditions. Currently in phase three clinical trials, a recent study described the investigational molecule as a “groundbreaking advancement” that “shows immense promise.” In one previous trial, overweight and obese adults with Type 2 diabetes lost up to an average of 49.6 lbs (22.5 kg) after 80 weeks. In another, severely obese adults with cardiovascular disease lost up to an average of 55.8 lbs (25.3 kg) over 80 weeks. In an effort to protect patients from “the dangerous black market for retatrutide,” Eli Lilly has already filed six lawsuits against U.S. companies accused of illegally selling counterfeit versions of the experimental drug, including compounding pharmacies, medical spas and online sellers. The company has also flagged “hundreds of illegal operators” to regulators and law enforcement agencies worldwide. “What is being sold on the black market is not a medicine – it is entirely unverified, unapproved and not worth the risk,” Eli Lilly chief medical officer, David A. Hyman said in a statement. The company says the counterfeit medication is frequently being made by unregulated foreign manufacturers. According to Reuters, U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted more than 1,400 shipments of illicit obesity and diabetes drugs in July, totalling nearly 90,000 vials. That’s up significantly from the over 690 shipments and more than 31,000 units seized in the 2025 fiscal year. Lilly Canada says it will continue to take action against the promotion and sale of unapproved and illegal retatrutide products in Canada, including working with law enforcement agencies and Health Canada. The company is calling on social media companies, e-commerce platforms, credit card companies, payment processors and shipping companies to help protect Canadians by combatting illicit activity. It is also urging Canadians to report illicit products to Health Canada, local law enforcement and Lilly Canada’s Customer Response Centre. CTVNews.ca has reached out to Health Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for a comment. This story may be updated with additional information as it becomes available. Eli Lilly also makes Zepbound and Foundayo, which are both used for chronic weight management. With files from Reuters
