Eli Lilly’s experimental drug retatrutide is attracting interest in Poland despite still being in clinical trials, prompting the Polish drug inspectorate to warn of serious risks to patients.
Retatrutide Gains Attention in Poland
Retatrutide, developed by U.S. company Eli Lilly, has begun to attract interest among Polish patients despite still being in clinical trials.
Clinical Trial Stage and Development
The drug targets three receptors—GLP‑1, GIP, and glucagon—and is being studied for obesity and metabolic diseases, including diabetes. It is currently in phase III, with completion planned for next May.
Illegal Online Sales and Influencer Claims
Online retailers are already offering retatrutide for purchase, and some influencers claim it works well. Many people ask how to acquire the drug.
Polish Drug Inspectorate’s Warning
Olga Sierpniowska, director of the Office of the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector, stated that retatrutide cannot legally be sold in pharmacies or wholesale outlets and is only authorised for clinical‑trial use under a protocol and researcher supervision. She warned that “serious threat to patients’ health” accompanies unregulated use.
Counterfeiting Threats and Patient Risks
GLP‑1 analogues are among the most counterfeited drugs worldwide. Counterfeit batches often contain unrelated substances such as insulin, leading to ineffective treatment and serious health risks, including potentially fatal hypoglycaemia.
Global Impact and Interpol’s Operation
An international operation, PANGEA XVII, conducted from December of the previous year to May of this year, seized nearly 60 000 illegal products worth over 800 000 złoty, involved 769 arrests, 123 criminal groups, and 50 million counterfeit doses estimated at $65 million. Interpol estimates that the illicit drug trade claims up to one million lives annually.
