ANMAT warns against illegal sale of experimental weight-loss drug

Argentina's health regulator, ANMAT, has issued a warning about the illegal sale of retatrutide, an experimental injectable drug promoted online as a rapid weight-loss solution. The agency stressed that the substance, still in clinical trials for type 2 diabetes, poses a high risk to health due to its unapproved status and unknown origin Source: Clarin.

The warning

ANMAT detected the product being sold through websites, online platforms, and WhatsApp, often labeled as a "research peptide" Source: Infobae. The agency noted that its efficacy and safety are unproven, and that "the data of the presumed manufacturers and how the offered products have been elaborated and formulated are unknown" Source: Lavozar. Because it is injectable, contamination could lead to severe infections or even death Source: Infobae.

The influencer case

Public attention grew after influencer Sofía "La Reini" Gonet, with over a million Instagram followers, said she injected the drug and soon experienced nausea, dizziness, fever, tremors, and confusion, requiring emergency medical care Source: Clarin. Her case highlights the dangers of unregulated use.

Regulatory context

Retatrutide, developed by Eli Lilly, is in phase 3 trials, with a possible US regulatory submission in early 2027 Source: Lavozar. It has not been approved by any regulatory agency worldwide. Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, and Panama have banned it, and seizures have occurred in the Triple Frontier region Source: Clarin. ANMAT confirmed it is neither approved nor registered in Argentina Source: Lavozar.