CDSCO Approves Three Prescription Drugs for Weight Management in India

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved three drugs—Orlistat, Tirzepatide, and Semaglutide—for weight management in India, available by prescription. These approvals follow evaluation under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019. The government emphasized regulation to prevent misuse, including licensing requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and amendments to control steroid sales. Nutraceuticals and health supplements are also regulated with mandatory medical advisories, according to Minister Anupriya Patel's statement in Rajya Sabha.