The Lebanese Pharmacists Syndicate announced, in a statement, that it is “following what was circulated through one of the media outlets, with the appearance of a well-known plastic surgeon to promote a new slimming needle that is still under scientific study, under the name Retatrutide, which may prompt citizens to resort to using it without the availability of the necessary scientific and legal controls.” The union confirmed that “the aforementioned preparation is not legally available in Lebanon and is not offered within approved legitimate distribution channels and is not sold through licensed pharmacies, which raises serious questions about its source and the mechanism of its entry into the country and whether it is being circulated outside the applicable legal frameworks in a way that may constitute a violation of applicable health laws and regulations.” She pointed out that "this product is still within the stages of scientific studies and research and the scientific and regulatory path required for its approval has not yet been completed in a way that justifies its promotion or marketing to the public as an available and safe treatment for use. In addition, selling or trading medicines from within medical clinics outside the framework of licensed pharmacies constitutes a violation of applicable laws and regulations." “Based on its national responsibility and its concern for public safety and protecting the health of citizens from any potential risks resulting from the use of unlicensed or unknown source medicines or preparations, the Syndicate appealed to both the Ministry of Public Health and the Medical Syndicate to take immediate action and take the necessary measures to verify the circulating facts, follow up on any potential violations, and take appropriate legal and regulatory measures in a way that preserves the health of citizens and preserves medical, professional and ethical standards,” stressing that “people’s health and safety remain above any other considerations, and must not be transformed.” Media platforms are a means of promoting products that do not meet the required scientific and regulatory requirements.”