Fake ‘Mounjaro’ row in Gurugram: Mastermind also sold unapproved injections under his brand ‘ToneUp’ – CNBC TV18
The alleged mastermind has produced 15-16 vials labelled under his brand "ToneUp," which were marketed separately as weight-loss injections.A week after authorities seized a counterfeit batch of the weight-loss drug Mounjaro in Gurugram, police have uncovered a larger operation involving an unapproved tirzepatide-based injection. According to officials, the alleged mastermind, 32-year-old Avi Sharma, was producing and selling the injections under his own brand name 'ToneUp.' The counterfeit products were sold online for prices ranging between ₹ 11,000 and ₹ 18,000.
Gurgaon Drug Control Officer Amandeep Chauhan, who led the raid, said packaging materials for 'ToneUp' injections were recovered from Sharma's residence, according to the Times of India. He added that the materials were allegedly being used to produce spurious versions of Mounjaro.
"This brand has no approval from any authority, and these injections were never tested. Anyone who has them should not use them at all," he warned.
How did he operate?
These vials have now been traced to buyers in Delhi, Hyderabad and other cities. Authorities have already retrieved some consignments and initiated a nationwide recall.
These vials have now been traced to buyers in Delhi, Hyderabad and other cities. Authorities have already retrieved some consignments and initiated a nationwide recall.
"We have retrieved the injections from Delhi. The others are being traced. Six injections sold in Hyderabad have also been traced. Authorities have been told to either return similar consignments or take them in custody," Amandeep Chauhan was quoted as saying by the media portal.
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The department has also sought details from the online marketplace IndiaMART, where the products were allegedly listed.
How was the scam busted?
The racket came to light on April 22, when a joint team of drug inspectors and police intercepted a car in DLF Phase IV near Super Mart-1. A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of 262 vials of suspected spurious injections worth over ₹ 70 lakh. The driver, Mujammil Khan, claimed he was a medical representative and was transporting stock supplied by Sharma. Both Sharma and Khan have been arrested, with Sharma currently in judicial custody till May 8.
Officials said Sharma, who previously worked at his father's firm, began the illegal operation earlier this month in his Gurgaon flat. He allegedly turned his flat into a crude manufacturing and packaging unit, aiming to scale up earnings to ₹ 2 crore per month.
"His lab was just one room with a refrigerator and a deep freezer. He used Google, ChatGPT and YouTube to learn how to make injections," Chauhan said.
He is believed to have sourced research-grade tirzepatide, cartridges and injection pens online before assembling the injections at home.
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During inspection, authorities noted clear discrepancies between the fake and genuine products, including differences in colour, pen illustration, typography and packaging design.
Police have invoked provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, including sections related to spurious drugs. Samples of the seized injections have been sent for laboratory testing, including sterility analysis, and the results are expected after a 14-day incubation period.
The original drug, manufactured by pharmaceutical major Eli Lilly, was introduced in India last year for diabetes management and weight loss. Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and verify the authenticity of such medications before use.
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