The Ministry of Health has warned that Retatrutide, a new-generation injectable drug developed by U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company for weight loss and diabetes treatment, is not registered in Malaysia and is therefore prohibited from being imported, supplied or sold in the country.
The ministry said Retatrutide has not received approval from the Drug Control Authority (DCA), meaning its safety, quality and effectiveness cannot be verified under Malaysian regulations.
In response to the growing online promotion of the drug, authorities have already issued a warning letter and ordered the removal of 51 advertisements and listings related to Retatrutide from social media and e-commerce platforms.
According to the ministry, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the DCA before they can be imported, manufactured, marketed or supplied in Malaysia, in accordance with Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Officials stressed that any product claiming to contain Retatrutide, particularly those sold through online channels, has not undergone the necessary regulatory assessment and approval process.
The ministry further explained that injectable weight-loss products, including Retatrutide, are classified as Group B poisons under the Poisons Act 1952.
As a result, even if the drug is registered in the future, it may only be prescribed by registered medical practitioners for treatment purposes or dispensed by licensed pharmacists with a valid prescription.
The ministry also noted that current regulations prohibit the approval of advertisements for medicinal products classified as poisons. Any unauthorised promotion or marketing of products claiming to contain Retatrutide may therefore constitute an offence under Malaysian law.
Between January 2023 and December 2025, the Pharmacy Enforcement Division successfully removed 42,639 unauthorised medical advertisements from e-commerce platforms and took enforcement action against 13,070 unauthorised medical advertisements circulating on social media.
Authorities warned that individuals found selling unregistered medicines could face severe penalties under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Upon conviction, individuals may be fined up to RM25,000, jailed for up to three years, or both. Companies can face fines of up to RM50,000, while repeat offenders may be subjected to harsher punishments.
The ministry urged consumers to exercise caution when purchasing weight-loss products online and to verify that medicines have been approved by Malaysian authorities before use.
