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(THEME MUSIC PLAYS)
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Ozempic...
Ozempic...
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Ozempic...
A game-changer...
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VOICEOVER: Injectable
weight-loss drugs are hot.
Ozempic...
A game-changer...
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VOICEOVER: Injectable
weight-loss drugs are hot.
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VOICEOVER: Injectable
weight-loss drugs are hot.
ELISE WORTHINGTON:
The hype around drugs like Ozempic
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ELISE WORTHINGTON:
The hype around drugs like Ozempic
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is sweeping the globe.
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The market for weight-loss drugs
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could reach $100 billion
in the next eight years.
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could reach $100 billion
They could become
the highest-grossing drugs
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They could become
the highest-grossing drugs
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They could become
of all time.
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of all time.
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JOHN DIXON: These new drugs
of all time.
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JOHN DIXON: These new drugs
were clearly going to be popular.
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It probably got
a little bit too exciting.
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It probably got
SONG: # Ozempic
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SONG: # Ozempic
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# Wegovy
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# Mounjaro
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# No more sorrow... #
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(GASPS)
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# I don't care about my face
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# Just a little, tiny waist
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# Put that shot in me
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# Skinny
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# Win. #
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LAUREN ASH: A lot of people,
this is their last option.
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They have tried healthy eating,
they have tried exercising,
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and it just doesn't work
because it's not that simple.
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and it just doesn't work
# Skinny... #
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# Skinny... #
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There's no way drug companies
can satisfy exploding demand.
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We've got zero stocks of Ozempic
in the 1.5 mil.
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We've got zero stocks of Ozempic
None available at all.
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None available at all.
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# Put that shot in me. #
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The supply crisis has created
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an opportunity for unscrupulous
operators to move in.
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When there's a lucrative market
in anywhere,
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you're going to get cowboys.
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And they're flooding doctors around
the world with ads for replica drugs.
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These are the faxes that we get in
advertising their Ozempic.
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Oh, yeah, that's dodgy as.
That's just totally unacceptable.
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So, they're trying to pass off
as if they're the real deal.
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They just know
patients are desperate.
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And patients are at risk.
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We can't tell you if they work.
And patients are at risk.
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We can't tell you if they work.
We can't tell you if they're safe.
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And here's our vial.
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Looks like one of the ice packs
has exploded.
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ADAM REINHARD: Please, for the love
of God, do not inject anything.
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ADAM REINHARD: Please, for the love
We don't know what that is.
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We don't know what that is.
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A team of forensic experts
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has descended on the house in
Western Sydney looking for evidence.
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Four Corners uncovers the home-grown
scam sending suspect drugs overseas.
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(BUSY CHATTER)
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Yep.
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She was on our waiting list
and she sent through the script.
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Hello. This is Alex.
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This is the front line
of an unprecedented drug shortage.
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Patients are looking everywhere
to find Ozempic.
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They're just ringing pharmacy
after pharmacy after pharmacy,
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They're just ringing pharmacy
so, they're just hoping.
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so, they're just hoping.
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And if you do have the stock,
it's like... (GASPS)
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No-one's ordered the Ozempic yet
from Sigma?
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Not today. No.
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Hey. It's Alex
from Harpers Pharmacy.
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I want to place our regular Ozempic
on back order, please.
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Pharmacists are chasing stock
of the blockbuster medication,
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Pharmacists are chasing stock
trying to meet customer demand.
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trying to meet customer demand.
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Is there any word
on when that will come back?
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Thank you very much. OK. Bye.
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Not back.
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OK.
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If you could order
as much as you wanted,
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how much do you reckon you would
order that you know you could sell?
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I would completely fill
all of our fridges.
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(LAUGHS)
I would completely fill
all of our fridges.
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(LAUGHS)
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Because that's the limit, obviously.
It's a fridge line too. But...
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Because that's the limit, obviously.
Oh, look, it...
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Oh, look, it...
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Oh, look, it...
Thousands. Yeah.
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Thousands. Yeah.
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And how quickly could you sell that?
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A few days if we had the stock.
Yeah.
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It's not just Ozempic.
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Customers are after another drug
promising even more weight loss.
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Mounjaro was released in Australia
last year,
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Mounjaro was released in Australia
costing up to $700 a month.
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costing up to $700 a month.
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It started selling out within weeks.
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API is showing nothing.
Stock in two days.
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And, yeah,
the others have nothing coming.
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Here's what we have.
Yep, yep.
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In Australia
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both Ozempic and Mounjaro
are only approved to treat diabetes,
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but doctors
can use their own discretion
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to prescribe the drugs
to patients wanting to lose weight.
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Alright, so, I think
we've got about 20 units left
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and we've just got to get through
everyone on the waiting list
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and we've just got to get through
until we run out,
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until we run out,
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which won't be many.
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Right.
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I've been in pharmacy
for more than 30 years.
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I've never seen anything like this.
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It's well over a year now
that this has been a problem.
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And it's not like
there's been no stock.
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It's just that the usage
and the demand
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has been growing over time.
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And yes, I...
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I can't see that abating
And yes, I...
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I can't see that abating
any time soon.
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VOICEOVER:
These days it's the talk of TikTok.
I can't see that abating
any time soon.
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VOICEOVER:
These days it's the talk of TikTok.
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Have you heard about it? Are you
on it? Do you have questions?
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Have you heard about it? Are you
Today is injection day.
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Today is injection day.
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# You better work, bitch! #
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Where the medication is,
we already put the needle on.
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For me, it's sort of just
not making me want to eat...
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Success stories on social media
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have fuelled demand
all around the world.
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Lord, if you let me get skinny
one more time,
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Lord, if you let me get skinny
I promise I won't mess it up.
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I promise I won't mess it up.
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Amen.
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SONG: # O-O-O
Amen.
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SONG: # O-O-O
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# Ozempic! #
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# Ozempic! #
Ozempic.
Ozempic.
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Ozempic.
Ozempic.
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Ozempic.
Now there's Ozempic.
Ozempic.
Ozempic.
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Ozempic.
Now there's Ozempic.
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What is Ozempic?
OK, so, Ozempic is a diabetes drug.
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So, it's called semaglutide
and it's known as a GLP-1 agonist.
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So, it's called semaglutide
and it's known as a GLP-1 agonist.
So, what that is
it's one of our gut hormones
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So, what that is
it's one of our gut hormones
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that naturally gets released
when we eat.
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that naturally gets released
And when we inject it
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And when we inject it
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at much higher doses
And when we inject it
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at much higher doses
than our body would usually have
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it slows down gastric emptying,
which is why you feel full.
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But one of the main ways it works
is by talking to our brain
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and regulating that, the appetite
control and the drive for food.
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The GLP-1s
are acting in a physiological way
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in the gut,
The GLP-1s
are acting in a physiological way
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in the gut,
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and they're signalling the brain
to say,
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"Eat less. You're satisfied
with less. You don't need as much."
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People will tell me that,
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"Now I understand how people
can just push the plate away."
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The weight-loss potential of Ozempic
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was reported in a landmark study
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led by John Wilding and funded
by drug company Novo Nordisk.
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What we found was that the people
treated with semaglutide
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lost about 15% of their body weight,
about 15 kilos,
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lost about 15% of their body weight,
about 15 kilos,
whereas those people who'd
just been given the dummy injections
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whereas those people who'd
just been given the dummy injections
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and still the dietary advice
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only lost about 2.5 kilos in weight.
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VOICEOVER:
What if all I do isn't enough?
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Mounjaro created
even more excitement.
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Plus people taking Mounjaro
lost up to 25 pounds.
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So, it does seem to be from
the trials that we've seen so far
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to be more effective
than semaglutide for weight loss.
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to be more effective
than semaglutide for weight loss.
We're starting to get
into the range of weight loss
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We're starting to get
into the range of weight loss
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that you see after
some forms of bariatric surgery,
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and that's something
that we've never really seen before
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with weight-loss medications.
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So, that I think was very exciting.
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I feel like a regular person
So, that I think was very exciting.
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I feel like a regular person
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instead of a fat person
I feel like a regular person
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instead of a fat person
that gets ignored or shamed.
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instead of a fat person
that gets ignored or shamed.
Any of that.
I actually feel like I'm...
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Any of that.
I actually feel like I'm...
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Like, you know,
when you lose the weight,
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I experienced being...
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..I felt seen,
which was a really nice change.
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..I felt seen,
I wasn't ignored
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I wasn't ignored
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because I was just that fat person
walking down the street.
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I was 115.5 kilos.
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I'd tried the gym.
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I had tried eating healthy.
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I had tried absolutely everything.
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I went to my doctor.
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He said that,
"You should try Ozempic."
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And, so, I did.
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And I was on Ozempic for just over
12 months and I lost 30 kilos.
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Then the shortage hit,
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and then it was game over.
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Yeah.
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Then I gained it all back.
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What happened?
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So... Well, because
there was no Ozempic, I didn't...
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So... Well, because
..I couldn't keep losing weight.
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..I couldn't keep losing weight.
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And then I was on steroids
..I couldn't keep losing weight.
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And then I was on steroids
for my issues.
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And then I was on steroids
And then that is, like, weight gain.
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And then that is, like, weight gain.
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So... Yeah.
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Very sad. Yeah.
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Studies show most people
Very sad. Yeah.
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Studies show most people
regain the weight they've lost
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Studies show most people
when they stop taking the drugs.
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when they stop taking the drugs.
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I went from, like, being really big
to a size 14,
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and I was like, "Yes! This is how
people are meant to feel."
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and I was like, "Yes! This is how
It was amazing.
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It was amazing.
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And then I went back up again
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and I was like, "Oh, that was nice
for a little bit."
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(CHUCKLES) Yeah. Yep.
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Lauren Ash got her hopes up again
when Mounjaro arrived in Australia.
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And, so, as soon as I heard
about that, I wanted to try it
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because I heard
it's better than Ozempic
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and I was assured that
there wasn't going to be a shortage,
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things were going to be amazing
and it was going to be long term.
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things were going to be amazing
So, it was really, really exciting.
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So, it was really, really exciting.
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So, this is my Mounjaro,
my weekly dose.
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So, this is my Mounjaro,
So, it comes with a very big list.
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So, it comes with a very big list.
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Have you ever opened it up to read?
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The first time I did
Have you ever opened it up to read?
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The first time I did
because I think you should.
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If you're going
to take a medication,
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00:09:40,740 --> 00:09:40,980
If you're going
you should read all that stuff
240
00:09:40,980 --> 00:09:44,020
you should read all that stuff
241
00:09:44,020 --> 00:09:45,860
and things you should not do.
242
00:09:45,860 --> 00:09:47,860
Like, it's huge.
243
00:09:54,540 --> 00:09:58,460
OK. So, this has got, like, the list
of side effects and everything?
244
00:09:58,460 --> 00:09:59,940
Mm-hm.
"Check with your doctor if..."
245
00:09:59,940 --> 00:10:02,060
If you have children,
they shouldn't take it.
246
00:10:02,060 --> 00:10:04,900
Pregnancy and breastfeeding,
you shouldn't take it.
247
00:10:04,900 --> 00:10:08,260
These medications
can have serious side effects.
248
00:10:08,260 --> 00:10:08,540
These medications
can have serious side effects.
Dehydration, pancreatitis,
allergic reactions, gall bladder...
249
00:10:08,540 --> 00:10:12,580
Dehydration, pancreatitis,
allergic reactions, gall bladder...
250
00:10:12,580 --> 00:10:12,820
Dehydration, pancreatitis,
Yeah. Mm-hm.
251
00:10:12,820 --> 00:10:13,940
Yeah. Mm-hm.
252
00:10:13,940 --> 00:10:15,220
So, your doctor went through...
253
00:10:15,220 --> 00:10:15,460
Absolutely.
So, your doctor went through...
254
00:10:15,460 --> 00:10:16,740
Absolutely.
..all of this.
255
00:10:16,740 --> 00:10:18,500
Yes.
Yeah.
256
00:10:18,500 --> 00:10:20,820
It's quite a long list.
Yep.
257
00:10:33,460 --> 00:10:34,940
Some people do vomit.
258
00:10:34,940 --> 00:10:37,020
Some people feel
a bit funny in their tummies.
259
00:10:37,020 --> 00:10:37,260
Some people feel
Some people might have diarrhoea.
260
00:10:37,260 --> 00:10:38,500
Some people might have diarrhoea.
261
00:10:38,500 --> 00:10:38,740
Some people might not have
Some people might have diarrhoea.
262
00:10:38,740 --> 00:10:42,380
Some people might not have
any bad side effects.
263
00:10:43,460 --> 00:10:46,580
My side effect
was I had a two-day migraine
264
00:10:46,580 --> 00:10:48,100
the first time I took Ozempic,
265
00:10:48,100 --> 00:10:51,180
and I don't suffer from migraines,
and that was awful.
266
00:10:51,180 --> 00:10:51,420
and I don't suffer from migraines,
But after that I was fine.
267
00:10:51,420 --> 00:10:53,020
But after that I was fine.
268
00:10:53,980 --> 00:10:55,700
It just depended on the person.
269
00:10:59,740 --> 00:11:01,580
There's no reliable data
270
00:11:01,580 --> 00:11:03,780
on how many Australians like Lauren
271
00:11:03,780 --> 00:11:06,300
are taking these drugs
for weight loss.
272
00:11:06,300 --> 00:11:10,620
She started a Facebook support group
to find others like her.
273
00:11:10,620 --> 00:11:10,860
She started a Facebook support group
It quickly grew to 50,000 members,
274
00:11:10,860 --> 00:11:14,220
It quickly grew to 50,000 members,
275
00:11:14,220 --> 00:11:16,020
and it's not the only one.
276
00:11:16,020 --> 00:11:18,700
I see many people
277
00:11:18,700 --> 00:11:24,740
that don't tell a soul
that they're on Ozempic or Mounjaro
278
00:11:24,740 --> 00:11:27,180
because of shame,
because of judgement.
279
00:11:27,180 --> 00:11:29,820
People just don't get it.
They're like, "Well...why...why...
280
00:11:29,820 --> 00:11:32,340
"Why are you on that?
You don't need to be on that."
281
00:11:32,340 --> 00:11:35,700
Or "Why don't you just put down
that burger and go for a walk?"
282
00:11:35,700 --> 00:11:38,460
It's exhausting. People just
don't want to have to talk about it.
283
00:11:38,460 --> 00:11:40,100
They just want to be able
to get on with it.
284
00:11:40,100 --> 00:11:44,700
So, in our group, they can
talk about it because we get it.
285
00:11:46,860 --> 00:11:49,780
We first met Lauren
in November last year
286
00:11:49,780 --> 00:11:52,820
just before the latest shortage
took hold.
287
00:11:52,820 --> 00:11:57,180
She was tired of the shame and stigma
many in her group experienced,
288
00:11:57,180 --> 00:12:00,820
so, she decided to share her journey
in video diaries.
289
00:12:00,820 --> 00:12:01,060
so, she decided to share her journey
Week 7 on Mounjaro.
290
00:12:01,060 --> 00:12:03,340
Week 7 on Mounjaro.
291
00:12:03,340 --> 00:12:05,740
I just thought I'd check in.
292
00:12:05,740 --> 00:12:05,980
So, I have currently lost six kilos,
I just thought I'd check in.
293
00:12:05,980 --> 00:12:10,860
So, I have currently lost six kilos,
which is amazing.
294
00:12:10,860 --> 00:12:11,100
So, I have currently lost six kilos,
So, I'm feeling really positive
295
00:12:11,100 --> 00:12:13,980
So, I'm feeling really positive
296
00:12:13,980 --> 00:12:15,780
and it's really, really good
297
00:12:15,780 --> 00:12:18,860
to be able to now have more energy
to play with my kids.
298
00:12:19,940 --> 00:12:22,140
Week 8 on Mounjaro.
299
00:12:22,140 --> 00:12:24,420
I put my script in with the chemist
300
00:12:24,420 --> 00:12:24,660
and they said
I put my script in with the chemist
301
00:12:24,660 --> 00:12:29,540
and they said
there's a short-term shortage.
302
00:12:29,540 --> 00:12:34,100
So, I'm hoping that means that
I won't miss out on it for too long.
303
00:12:34,100 --> 00:12:35,780
Trying not to stress
304
00:12:35,780 --> 00:12:37,980
because this happened with Ozempic
305
00:12:37,980 --> 00:12:38,220
and I ended up putting all
because this happened with Ozempic
306
00:12:38,220 --> 00:12:41,340
and I ended up putting all
the weight back on that I'd lost,
307
00:12:41,340 --> 00:12:41,580
and I ended up putting all
so, that wasn't great.
308
00:12:41,580 --> 00:12:44,060
so, that wasn't great.
309
00:12:44,060 --> 00:12:47,380
People in the group
are starting to panic as well.
310
00:12:47,380 --> 00:12:48,620
Just taking it a day at a time
311
00:12:48,620 --> 00:12:52,300
and hope to God
the shortage ends soon.
312
00:12:52,300 --> 00:12:52,540
and hope to God
Week 11 on Mounjaro.
313
00:12:52,540 --> 00:12:55,100
Week 11 on Mounjaro.
314
00:12:55,100 --> 00:12:58,900
I'm just trying to get through
best I can, really,
315
00:12:58,900 --> 00:13:00,180
and really not thinking about
316
00:13:00,180 --> 00:13:05,100
what I'm going to do
once I've gone through all my vials.
317
00:13:08,740 --> 00:13:11,460
Lauren grew increasingly worried
318
00:13:11,460 --> 00:13:14,940
as Mounjaro became
almost impossible to find.
319
00:13:14,940 --> 00:13:20,060
Manufacturer Eli Lilly
blamed larger than expected demand.
320
00:13:22,460 --> 00:13:25,140
Update on my Mounjaro journey.
321
00:13:25,140 --> 00:13:31,140
So, things have just been a bit...
a bit crappy, honestly.
322
00:13:31,140 --> 00:13:31,380
So, things have just been a bit...
There's been none available.
323
00:13:31,380 --> 00:13:33,420
There's been none available.
324
00:13:33,420 --> 00:13:33,660
I have had to completely stretch out
There's been none available.
325
00:13:33,660 --> 00:13:39,060
I have had to completely stretch out
my dosage, keeping it really low.
326
00:13:39,060 --> 00:13:42,180
I've not lost any weight,
I've gained probably a kilo,
327
00:13:42,180 --> 00:13:42,420
I've not lost any weight,
which is really frustrating
328
00:13:42,420 --> 00:13:43,860
which is really frustrating
329
00:13:43,860 --> 00:13:47,700
because I was all so excited about,
you know, losing weight,
330
00:13:47,700 --> 00:13:51,020
being a better version of myself,
all of that stuff.
331
00:13:51,020 --> 00:13:51,260
being a better version of myself,
So...
332
00:13:51,260 --> 00:13:52,780
So...
333
00:13:52,780 --> 00:13:55,260
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
..it's been really hard.
334
00:13:55,260 --> 00:14:00,020
People are desperate
and they will do what they can
335
00:14:00,020 --> 00:14:02,940
because most of them
have been on Ozempic or Mounjaro
336
00:14:02,940 --> 00:14:03,180
because most of them
or whatever they've been on before
337
00:14:03,180 --> 00:14:04,780
or whatever they've been on before
338
00:14:04,780 --> 00:14:05,980
and know that it works
339
00:14:05,980 --> 00:14:06,220
and they just want to continue on
and know that it works
340
00:14:06,220 --> 00:14:08,820
and they just want to continue on
being able to do that.
341
00:14:11,300 --> 00:14:14,780
Pharmacists are allowed
to make their own versions of drugs
342
00:14:14,780 --> 00:14:16,300
in times of shortage.
343
00:14:16,300 --> 00:14:18,460
It's called compounding,
344
00:14:18,460 --> 00:14:22,660
and more and more people are relying
on it for weight-loss medications.
345
00:14:22,660 --> 00:14:26,940
There's around half a dozen
established compounding pharmacies
346
00:14:26,940 --> 00:14:31,620
making their own versions
of Ozempic and Mounjaro in Australia.
347
00:14:33,420 --> 00:14:36,340
The problem that we became aware of
348
00:14:36,340 --> 00:14:36,580
was, essentially,
The problem that we became aware of
349
00:14:36,580 --> 00:14:40,060
was, essentially,
the scale of the compounding.
350
00:14:40,060 --> 00:14:42,820
So, compounding
of semaglutide products
351
00:14:42,820 --> 00:14:43,060
So, compounding
of semaglutide products
at a very large scale,
352
00:14:43,060 --> 00:14:45,100
at a very large scale,
353
00:14:45,100 --> 00:14:48,500
so, they start now to look
like a pharmaceutical company,
354
00:14:48,500 --> 00:14:51,660
but they're doing so without
any of the checks and regulations
355
00:14:51,660 --> 00:14:53,980
that a large pharmaceutical company
need.
356
00:14:53,980 --> 00:14:56,860
I mean, semaglutide
is quite a complicated molecule.
357
00:14:56,860 --> 00:15:02,260
It has to be mixed in the right way
to make it safe to inject.
358
00:15:02,260 --> 00:15:02,540
And my concern
is, if people are trying to do this,
It has to be mixed in the right way
to make it safe to inject.
359
00:15:02,540 --> 00:15:05,860
And my concern
is, if people are trying to do this,
360
00:15:05,860 --> 00:15:06,100
And my concern
even if it is in
361
00:15:06,100 --> 00:15:07,340
even if it is in
362
00:15:07,340 --> 00:15:07,580
even if it is in
a reputable laboratory that is
actually used to making medicines,
363
00:15:07,580 --> 00:15:11,300
a reputable laboratory that is
actually used to making medicines,
364
00:15:11,300 --> 00:15:14,260
that is not the same
as the approved process,
365
00:15:14,260 --> 00:15:17,380
which is what
gets the drug the licence.
366
00:15:17,380 --> 00:15:19,660
VOICEOVER:
Juniper's Weight Reset Program
367
00:15:19,660 --> 00:15:21,580
takes a medical approach
to weight loss.
368
00:15:21,580 --> 00:15:24,100
Large telehealth providers
like Juniper
369
00:15:24,100 --> 00:15:27,380
saw a market opportunity
in weight-loss drugs.
370
00:15:27,380 --> 00:15:27,620
saw a market opportunity
When the name-brand drugs ran out,
371
00:15:27,620 --> 00:15:29,860
When the name-brand drugs ran out,
372
00:15:29,860 --> 00:15:33,260
they started offering
compounded versions instead.
373
00:15:33,260 --> 00:15:36,020
Leaves patients feeling fuller
for longer.
374
00:15:37,740 --> 00:15:42,300
Soon after, the Therapeutic Goods
Administration issued a safety alert
375
00:15:42,300 --> 00:15:42,540
Soon after, the Therapeutic Goods
about compounded weight-loss drugs.
376
00:15:42,540 --> 00:15:45,220
about compounded weight-loss drugs.
377
00:15:46,940 --> 00:15:48,420
The most important message
378
00:15:48,420 --> 00:15:48,660
is that the TGA has not evaluated
The most important message
379
00:15:48,660 --> 00:15:50,900
is that the TGA has not evaluated
these drugs,
380
00:15:50,900 --> 00:15:53,540
that we can't tell you
exactly what they are,
381
00:15:53,540 --> 00:15:57,060
we can't tell you if they work and
we can't tell you if they're safe.
382
00:15:57,060 --> 00:15:58,860
And we have no oversight
of the quality
383
00:15:58,860 --> 00:15:59,100
And we have no oversight
of these medications at all.
384
00:15:59,100 --> 00:16:01,100
of these medications at all.
385
00:16:01,100 --> 00:16:03,500
I think it's been a bit confusing.
386
00:16:03,500 --> 00:16:06,860
There's lots of things
that keep coming out with TGA,
387
00:16:06,860 --> 00:16:07,900
which we post in our group
388
00:16:07,900 --> 00:16:08,100
which we post in our group
so people can look at it
389
00:16:08,100 --> 00:16:09,180
so people can look at it
390
00:16:09,180 --> 00:16:11,780
and they can make
their own informed choices about it.
391
00:16:12,740 --> 00:16:14,460
Many in Lauren's Facebook community
392
00:16:14,460 --> 00:16:17,220
rely on compounded versions
of the drugs.
393
00:16:18,180 --> 00:16:24,060
We definitely put that in the group
as a viable option to keep on going,
394
00:16:24,060 --> 00:16:26,900
but only going
to a reputable chemist.
395
00:16:26,900 --> 00:16:27,140
but only going
Don't go to these scammy things
396
00:16:27,140 --> 00:16:29,100
Don't go to these scammy things
397
00:16:29,100 --> 00:16:29,340
that come up in an ad on Facebook
Don't go to these scammy things
398
00:16:29,340 --> 00:16:32,500
that come up in an ad on Facebook
or you get an email.
399
00:16:32,500 --> 00:16:32,740
that come up in an ad on Facebook
Yeah, reputable.
400
00:16:32,740 --> 00:16:34,140
Yeah, reputable.
401
00:16:34,140 --> 00:16:35,380
Hi!
402
00:16:35,380 --> 00:16:37,300
Hey! How are you?!
403
00:16:37,300 --> 00:16:38,420
I'm good. How are you going?
404
00:16:38,420 --> 00:16:39,900
I'm good.
405
00:16:39,900 --> 00:16:41,380
Kate is one of the moderators
406
00:16:41,380 --> 00:16:41,620
helping Lauren manage
Kate is one of the moderators
407
00:16:41,620 --> 00:16:45,020
helping Lauren manage
the ever-expanding Facebook group.
408
00:16:45,020 --> 00:16:48,580
They're often on the lookout
for dodgy suppliers.
409
00:16:48,580 --> 00:16:54,540
I've seen quite a few posts
about being...like, the dodgy scams.
410
00:16:54,540 --> 00:16:58,340
I've seen a few with, like, emails,
but also faxes
411
00:16:58,340 --> 00:17:00,780
and ads on Facebook as well.
412
00:17:00,780 --> 00:17:03,740
Unfortunately,
there are a lot of people out there
413
00:17:03,740 --> 00:17:08,300
who are trying to make money
off of a really bad situation.
414
00:17:08,300 --> 00:17:12,940
People getting faxes
from just random chemists.
415
00:17:12,940 --> 00:17:15,700
People I know in group
have paid money,
416
00:17:15,700 --> 00:17:15,940
People I know in group
and then nothing.
417
00:17:15,940 --> 00:17:18,380
and then nothing.
418
00:17:18,380 --> 00:17:19,540
Never arrives.
419
00:17:19,540 --> 00:17:19,780
And then they can't get in contact
Never arrives.
420
00:17:19,780 --> 00:17:23,300
And then they can't get in contact
with the chemist.
421
00:17:23,300 --> 00:17:26,180
People just... They don't care,
they just want to make a buck,
422
00:17:26,180 --> 00:17:29,140
and they'll just do it to anyone,
really.
423
00:17:29,140 --> 00:17:29,420
Look, I think
there's always the door open
and they'll just do it to anyone,
really.
424
00:17:29,420 --> 00:17:31,740
Look, I think
there's always the door open
425
00:17:31,740 --> 00:17:36,580
for people to scam people
who want to lose weight.
426
00:17:36,580 --> 00:17:36,860
for people to scam people
who want to lose weight.
They have been readily scammed
for decades.
427
00:17:36,860 --> 00:17:39,660
They have been readily scammed
for decades.
428
00:17:39,660 --> 00:17:39,900
They have been readily scammed
That'll continue.
429
00:17:39,900 --> 00:17:41,180
That'll continue.
430
00:17:48,980 --> 00:17:51,580
We're about to take a deep dive
431
00:17:51,580 --> 00:17:55,980
into a pharmaceutical scam
that's been operating in plain sight.
432
00:17:55,980 --> 00:17:57,940
It's a marketing campaign
433
00:17:57,940 --> 00:18:01,420
that's been targeting doctors
and patients around the country.
434
00:18:01,420 --> 00:18:01,660
that's been targeting doctors
(WAVES LAP, BIRDS SQUALL)
435
00:18:01,660 --> 00:18:04,180
(WAVES LAP, BIRDS SQUALL)
436
00:18:04,180 --> 00:18:07,020
We're heading
to Tasmania's north-east coast
437
00:18:07,020 --> 00:18:11,740
after a tip-off that dodgy
weight-loss drugs have ended up here
438
00:18:11,740 --> 00:18:11,980
after a tip-off that dodgy
and they've made some people sick.
439
00:18:11,980 --> 00:18:14,380
and they've made some people sick.
440
00:18:22,820 --> 00:18:25,140
ANDY HOULT: Compounded Ozempic
we've heard about
441
00:18:25,140 --> 00:18:25,380
ANDY HOULT: Compounded Ozempic
the last few months, I suppose.
442
00:18:25,380 --> 00:18:27,820
the last few months, I suppose.
443
00:18:27,820 --> 00:18:29,380
But then a few people around town,
444
00:18:29,380 --> 00:18:29,620
when we can't supply them with
the genuine product that we've had,
But then a few people around town,
445
00:18:29,620 --> 00:18:33,780
when we can't supply them with
the genuine product that we've had,
446
00:18:33,780 --> 00:18:34,820
I've heard sort of comments
447
00:18:34,820 --> 00:18:35,060
I've heard sort of comments
that they've been able to get it
elsewhere online,
448
00:18:35,060 --> 00:18:37,540
that they've been able to get it
elsewhere online,
449
00:18:37,540 --> 00:18:37,780
that they've been able to get it
that sort of thing.
450
00:18:37,780 --> 00:18:39,060
that sort of thing.
451
00:18:40,420 --> 00:18:43,060
The only pharmacy
in the town of St Helens
452
00:18:43,060 --> 00:18:47,220
has struggled to keep up with demand
for the name-brand drugs.
453
00:18:48,180 --> 00:18:50,020
So, what are the stocks like
at the moment?
454
00:18:50,020 --> 00:18:50,260
So, what are the stocks like
We can come and have a look.
455
00:18:50,260 --> 00:18:51,540
We can come and have a look.
456
00:18:51,540 --> 00:18:54,100
Current stock levels
haven't been great lately.
457
00:18:55,820 --> 00:18:58,980
So, just looking
at one of our wholesalers here,
458
00:18:58,980 --> 00:19:03,100
we've got zero stocks
of Ozempic in the 1.5 mil,
459
00:19:03,100 --> 00:19:05,540
and the 3 mil
they have limited supplies.
460
00:19:05,540 --> 00:19:07,340
And how long
has that been going on for?
461
00:19:07,340 --> 00:19:11,140
It's been like that since about...
like this since November.
462
00:19:11,140 --> 00:19:14,740
Previous to that, there wasn't even
limited supplies at any.
463
00:19:14,740 --> 00:19:16,380
It was none available at all.
464
00:19:16,380 --> 00:19:18,420
Nothing. OK.
465
00:19:24,660 --> 00:19:26,820
(PHONE RINGS)
466
00:19:26,820 --> 00:19:28,780
Good morning. Ochre Medical Centre.
467
00:19:28,780 --> 00:19:33,420
Last year, the local GP clinic
started receiving faxes
468
00:19:33,420 --> 00:19:36,340
offering a solution
to the Ozempic shortage.
469
00:19:38,500 --> 00:19:41,060
So, these are the faxes
that we would get
470
00:19:41,060 --> 00:19:43,900
from the compounding
pharmaceutical companies.
471
00:19:43,900 --> 00:19:47,460
It's a much more aggressive
advertising kind of approach
472
00:19:47,460 --> 00:19:49,900
than what we'd normally see
from compounding pharmacies.
473
00:19:49,900 --> 00:19:50,140
than what we'd normally see
And, so, initially we ignored these
474
00:19:50,140 --> 00:19:52,820
And, so, initially we ignored these
475
00:19:52,820 --> 00:19:56,300
until we had patients
really being much more interested
476
00:19:56,300 --> 00:19:59,420
in the use
of compounding medications.
477
00:20:02,500 --> 00:20:04,900
Some doctors here began prescribing
478
00:20:04,900 --> 00:20:09,500
the compounded semaglutide
promoted in the faxes.
479
00:20:09,500 --> 00:20:09,780
I talk about the advantages and
disadvantages of using semaglutide.
the compounded semaglutide
promoted in the faxes.
480
00:20:09,780 --> 00:20:15,060
I talk about the advantages and
disadvantages of using semaglutide.
481
00:20:15,060 --> 00:20:15,340
I talk about the advantages and
disadvantages of using semaglutide.
Some patients lost 20 kilos,
and that was really good.
482
00:20:15,340 --> 00:20:18,740
Some patients lost 20 kilos,
and that was really good.
483
00:20:18,740 --> 00:20:21,500
They seemed to have
the usual side effects
484
00:20:21,500 --> 00:20:21,740
They seemed to have
you would expect from semaglutide.
485
00:20:21,740 --> 00:20:23,380
you would expect from semaglutide.
486
00:20:23,380 --> 00:20:23,620
Mm.
you would expect from semaglutide.
487
00:20:23,620 --> 00:20:24,620
Mm.
Mm.
488
00:20:24,620 --> 00:20:24,860
Mm.
And when did you start thinking
489
00:20:24,860 --> 00:20:27,460
And when did you start thinking
490
00:20:27,460 --> 00:20:29,580
something might not
quite be right with it?
491
00:20:29,580 --> 00:20:29,820
something might not
What was the first red flag?
492
00:20:29,820 --> 00:20:31,860
What was the first red flag?
493
00:20:31,860 --> 00:20:32,100
We had a patient who came in
What was the first red flag?
494
00:20:32,100 --> 00:20:36,820
We had a patient who came in
with an unusual problem,
495
00:20:36,820 --> 00:20:37,060
We had a patient who came in
who had a sensory neuropathy,
496
00:20:37,060 --> 00:20:40,100
who had a sensory neuropathy,
497
00:20:40,100 --> 00:20:44,060
a problem with the nerves
in the periphery of their body,
498
00:20:44,060 --> 00:20:45,700
so, in their hands and their feet.
499
00:20:46,660 --> 00:20:50,740
It was so serious
the patient ended up in hospital.
500
00:20:52,740 --> 00:20:57,340
The liquid the patient injected
had an unusual bright-red colour.
501
00:20:57,340 --> 00:20:57,580
The liquid the patient injected
The label said
502
00:20:57,580 --> 00:20:59,220
The label said
503
00:20:59,220 --> 00:21:04,460
it contained semaglutide,
vitamin B12 and L-carnitine,
504
00:21:04,460 --> 00:21:08,740
but testing revealed the patient
had high levels of something else -
505
00:21:08,740 --> 00:21:11,220
vitamin B6.
506
00:21:11,220 --> 00:21:15,940
They turned out to have a really
high vitamin in their blood level,
507
00:21:15,940 --> 00:21:16,180
They turned out to have a really
and that was odd,
508
00:21:16,180 --> 00:21:18,420
and that was odd,
509
00:21:18,420 --> 00:21:20,300
and they weren't on anything
510
00:21:20,300 --> 00:21:23,020
that would increase
the level of that vitamin
511
00:21:23,020 --> 00:21:26,500
except for semaglutide
from the compounding pharmacy.
512
00:21:27,460 --> 00:21:29,660
We contacted all of our patients
513
00:21:29,660 --> 00:21:32,020
who were using
the compounded semaglutide
514
00:21:32,020 --> 00:21:32,260
who were using
and essentially said to them,
515
00:21:32,260 --> 00:21:33,580
and essentially said to them,
516
00:21:33,580 --> 00:21:33,820
"I can't be sure
and essentially said to them,
517
00:21:33,820 --> 00:21:37,420
"I can't be sure
what's in this medication,
518
00:21:37,420 --> 00:21:37,660
"I can't be sure
"and, so, my advice is to stop it."
519
00:21:37,660 --> 00:21:40,220
"and, so, my advice is to stop it."
520
00:21:40,220 --> 00:21:42,700
And how concerning was that
for you as a doctor?
521
00:21:42,700 --> 00:21:43,820
It was a real shock.
522
00:21:43,820 --> 00:21:45,740
Our patients trust us,
523
00:21:45,740 --> 00:21:49,100
and we trust that the people
who supply our medications
524
00:21:49,100 --> 00:21:49,340
and we trust that the people
are providing something
525
00:21:49,340 --> 00:21:50,580
are providing something
526
00:21:50,580 --> 00:21:50,820
that's of a quality and a standard
are providing something
527
00:21:50,820 --> 00:21:55,180
that's of a quality and a standard
that we can rely on.
528
00:21:55,180 --> 00:21:58,700
So, that threw
a lot of doubts in our head
529
00:21:58,700 --> 00:21:58,940
So, that threw
about where this is coming from
530
00:21:58,940 --> 00:22:02,140
about where this is coming from
531
00:22:02,140 --> 00:22:02,380
and what else might be in there
about where this is coming from
532
00:22:02,380 --> 00:22:06,380
and what else might be in there
or not in there.
533
00:22:09,900 --> 00:22:14,220
And there was another local
with an unusual side effect.
534
00:22:16,900 --> 00:22:18,460
I've just met with a patient
535
00:22:18,460 --> 00:22:21,580
who was taking this compounded
weight-loss medication.
536
00:22:21,580 --> 00:22:21,860
She's told very few people
she was even on it,
who was taking this compounded
weight-loss medication.
537
00:22:21,860 --> 00:22:24,900
She's told very few people
she was even on it,
538
00:22:24,900 --> 00:22:27,900
so, she doesn't want to go on camera
or talk about it publicly.
539
00:22:31,260 --> 00:22:34,620
Initially she had severe diarrhoea
and vomiting,
540
00:22:34,620 --> 00:22:37,820
then her mouth
wouldn't stop bleeding.
541
00:22:39,420 --> 00:22:41,660
She stopped taking the medication,
542
00:22:41,660 --> 00:22:45,660
but the compounding pharmacy
kept trying to sell her more.
543
00:22:48,940 --> 00:22:51,140
She replied this way.
544
00:22:56,500 --> 00:23:00,380
So, the pharmacy was offering the
patients more drugs without a script?
545
00:23:00,380 --> 00:23:01,620
That's what it would seem like
546
00:23:01,620 --> 00:23:05,020
when I looked at the text messages
the patient showed me, yep.
547
00:23:05,980 --> 00:23:10,540
Doctors couldn't track down
the pharmacist who made the drugs.
548
00:23:10,540 --> 00:23:10,780
Doctors couldn't track down
We tried to contact them
549
00:23:10,780 --> 00:23:13,020
We tried to contact them
550
00:23:13,020 --> 00:23:17,380
after noticing this problem
with the vitamin,
551
00:23:17,380 --> 00:23:19,900
and we didn't get
any reply back from them.
552
00:23:20,860 --> 00:23:25,620
Last December, Dr Fox
made a formal report to the TGA.
553
00:23:25,620 --> 00:23:29,300
The next month, they asked him
to send a vial for testing,
554
00:23:29,300 --> 00:23:31,220
but he never heard back.
555
00:23:32,500 --> 00:23:36,580
It's interesting when I have
the conversation with the TGA,
556
00:23:36,580 --> 00:23:39,820
they go,
"Well, we're not really responsible
557
00:23:39,820 --> 00:23:43,540
"for managing
compounded pharmaceuticals,"
558
00:23:43,540 --> 00:23:43,780
"for managing
and the pharmaceutical board says,
559
00:23:43,780 --> 00:23:46,020
and the pharmaceutical board says,
560
00:23:46,020 --> 00:23:49,460
"We're not actually monitoring
each individual medication."
561
00:23:49,460 --> 00:23:51,420
So, it seems like
there's a real hole
562
00:23:51,420 --> 00:23:56,940
in the way we look after these
medications and how they're managed
563
00:23:56,940 --> 00:23:59,460
and make sure
that they're produced safely.
564
00:24:02,300 --> 00:24:05,660
We wanted to learn more
about who was selling the red vials,
565
00:24:05,660 --> 00:24:05,900
We wanted to learn more
so, we placed an order.
566
00:24:05,900 --> 00:24:07,540
so, we placed an order.
567
00:24:10,460 --> 00:24:13,300
And I'm going to press 'send'
568
00:24:13,300 --> 00:24:16,020
and we'll see
how quickly they respond.
569
00:24:21,700 --> 00:24:25,620
They replied
asking how much we wanted.
570
00:24:26,580 --> 00:24:29,860
They've sent through an invoice
for the semaglutide.
571
00:24:29,860 --> 00:24:30,100
They've sent through an invoice
There's a 'pay now' button.
572
00:24:30,100 --> 00:24:32,420
There's a 'pay now' button.
573
00:24:33,580 --> 00:24:37,580
$150 plus $14.95 shipping.
574
00:24:37,580 --> 00:24:40,860
But, at this point,
we haven't even sent a script,
575
00:24:40,860 --> 00:24:41,100
But, at this point,
but they're happy to take our money.
576
00:24:41,100 --> 00:24:43,460
but they're happy to take our money.
577
00:24:45,620 --> 00:24:50,220
Four Corners has spoken to dozens of
doctors, GP clinics and specialists
578
00:24:50,220 --> 00:24:50,460
Four Corners has spoken to dozens of
around the country
579
00:24:50,460 --> 00:24:51,700
around the country
580
00:24:51,700 --> 00:24:51,940
who have been bombarded
around the country
581
00:24:51,940 --> 00:24:55,700
who have been bombarded
with compounding faxes and emails.
582
00:24:55,700 --> 00:24:59,340
They appear to be from different
compounding pharmacies,
583
00:24:59,340 --> 00:24:59,580
They appear to be from different
but there are striking similarities.
584
00:24:59,580 --> 00:25:02,260
but there are striking similarities.
585
00:25:08,860 --> 00:25:12,100
The prices and dosage guides
are the same.
586
00:25:12,100 --> 00:25:16,660
Many falsely claim they're accredited
by industry bodies.
587
00:25:16,660 --> 00:25:19,220
Even spelling mistakes are repeated.
588
00:25:22,940 --> 00:25:27,020
There's never a phone number
or a physical address.
589
00:25:27,020 --> 00:25:29,940
Different pharmacies
share fax numbers
590
00:25:29,940 --> 00:25:32,180
and there's only ever
a Gmail contact.
591
00:25:35,980 --> 00:25:39,100
No pharmacy uses Gmail.
It's not really professional.
592
00:25:39,100 --> 00:25:41,540
The fact you can't even find
their phone number?
593
00:25:41,540 --> 00:25:44,020
I mean,
that's already red flags there.
594
00:25:46,940 --> 00:25:49,900
One pharmacy name
that keeps coming up in the faxes
595
00:25:49,900 --> 00:25:52,420
is Total Compounding
Pharmaceuticals,
596
00:25:52,420 --> 00:25:54,740
or TCP.
597
00:25:54,740 --> 00:25:58,020
Again TCP - Total Compounding...
598
00:25:58,020 --> 00:26:01,020
It's just dragging my name
through the mud.
599
00:26:01,020 --> 00:26:05,780
This pharmacy on Sydney's North Shore
has been mistaken for TCP.
600
00:26:05,780 --> 00:26:06,020
This pharmacy on Sydney's North Shore
So, we're called
601
00:26:06,020 --> 00:26:06,780
So, we're called
602
00:26:06,780 --> 00:26:06,980
The Compounding Pharmacy Australia.
So, we're called
603
00:26:06,980 --> 00:26:08,900
The Compounding Pharmacy Australia.
604
00:26:08,900 --> 00:26:11,100
So, short - TCPA.
605
00:26:11,100 --> 00:26:11,340
And they were
So, short - TCPA.
606
00:26:11,340 --> 00:26:13,340
And they were
calling themselves TCP.
607
00:26:13,340 --> 00:26:13,580
And they were
So, when you Google that,
608
00:26:13,580 --> 00:26:14,820
So, when you Google that,
609
00:26:14,820 --> 00:26:15,020
So, when you Google that,
our pharmacy came up first.
610
00:26:15,020 --> 00:26:16,620
our pharmacy came up first.
611
00:26:16,620 --> 00:26:17,700
(PHONE RINGS)
612
00:26:17,700 --> 00:26:19,500
Good afternoon.
Compounding Pharmacy Australia.
613
00:26:19,500 --> 00:26:19,740
Good afternoon.
Adam speaking. How can I help you?
614
00:26:19,740 --> 00:26:21,020
Adam speaking. How can I help you?
615
00:26:21,020 --> 00:26:23,980
We started getting these phone calls
about two years ago.
616
00:26:23,980 --> 00:26:25,580
It was very odd.
617
00:26:25,580 --> 00:26:27,500
At times we were getting 20 a day,
618
00:26:27,500 --> 00:26:31,340
and it was just really affecting the
operations of our regular pharmacy.
619
00:26:31,340 --> 00:26:33,860
They kept talking about
the weight-loss injections,
620
00:26:33,860 --> 00:26:35,940
and I was like,
"We don't even do that."
621
00:26:37,220 --> 00:26:39,420
Angry patients were accusing him
622
00:26:39,420 --> 00:26:43,060
of taking their money
but not sending the drugs.
623
00:26:43,060 --> 00:26:45,780
Others who did receive
their medication
624
00:26:45,780 --> 00:26:48,300
were worried
about what they were sent.
625
00:26:49,260 --> 00:26:52,420
Then when a patient was saying,
"No, I've got something in my hand,"
626
00:26:52,420 --> 00:26:52,660
Then when a patient was saying,
I was like, "Oh, wow, that's...
627
00:26:52,660 --> 00:26:54,300
I was like, "Oh, wow, that's...
628
00:26:54,300 --> 00:26:56,780
"Now this is going up another level,
this is actually dangerous
629
00:26:56,780 --> 00:26:59,900
"because they've got something
that they are going to inject."
630
00:26:59,900 --> 00:27:00,140
"because they've got something
And he was trying to explain,
631
00:27:00,140 --> 00:27:01,780
And he was trying to explain,
632
00:27:01,780 --> 00:27:04,020
and I said,
"Can you please send pictures?"
633
00:27:04,980 --> 00:27:09,620
The photos show red vials
just like those sent to Tasmania.
634
00:27:09,620 --> 00:27:12,900
My brain says,
"That is not sterile at all,"
635
00:27:12,900 --> 00:27:15,780
just even the way
it's been presented to the patient.
636
00:27:15,780 --> 00:27:17,180
I said, "Do not inject that
637
00:27:17,180 --> 00:27:19,740
"because that is not...
that is not sterile."
638
00:27:19,740 --> 00:27:22,900
And, so, we don't know
what is actually in there,
639
00:27:22,900 --> 00:27:25,340
let alone if it is the drug,
640
00:27:25,340 --> 00:27:27,780
and then how it was made.
641
00:27:28,780 --> 00:27:32,580
My team and the teams
at so many compounding pharmacies,
642
00:27:32,580 --> 00:27:34,140
we're highly trained,
highly skilled.
643
00:27:34,140 --> 00:27:36,740
I said, "These are cowboys.
Expect the worst."
644
00:27:38,500 --> 00:27:41,340
Adam Reinhard
says he reported what he knew
645
00:27:41,340 --> 00:27:43,180
to the New South Wales
Pharmacy Council,
646
00:27:43,180 --> 00:27:43,420
to the New South Wales
the Pharmacy Board and the police,
647
00:27:43,420 --> 00:27:45,660
the Pharmacy Board and the police,
648
00:27:45,660 --> 00:27:47,580
but it made no difference.
649
00:27:47,580 --> 00:27:47,820
Total Compounding Pharmaceuticals was
but it made no difference.
650
00:27:47,820 --> 00:27:52,540
Total Compounding Pharmaceuticals was
able to keep selling the red vials.
651
00:27:54,580 --> 00:27:56,460
The way they've set up
the operation,
652
00:27:56,460 --> 00:27:58,460
only someone
with intricate detail in compounding
653
00:27:58,460 --> 00:27:58,700
only someone
would understand how to do.
654
00:27:58,700 --> 00:27:59,940
would understand how to do.
655
00:27:59,940 --> 00:28:01,700
All the information led to me
656
00:28:01,700 --> 00:28:04,940
that someone in the compounding
world is part of this.
657
00:28:06,460 --> 00:28:09,180
We've discovered
the faxes and red vials
658
00:28:09,180 --> 00:28:13,420
are at the centre of an international
pharmaceutical racket.
659
00:28:13,420 --> 00:28:16,180
Evidence from customers
across the United States
660
00:28:16,180 --> 00:28:20,820
shows weight-loss drugs are being
illegally exported from Australia,
661
00:28:20,820 --> 00:28:24,580
with American doctors and nurses
being targeted with faxes
662
00:28:24,580 --> 00:28:28,180
just like the ones
we saw in Tasmania.
663
00:28:28,180 --> 00:28:31,260
The scheme has been operating
under the fake pharmacy name
664
00:28:31,260 --> 00:28:35,180
Total Compounding Pharmaceuticals,
or TCP.
665
00:28:37,100 --> 00:28:40,980
Over here in the United States
it's extremely popular right now.
666
00:28:40,980 --> 00:28:45,780
Everybody's wanting to do
the weight-loss injections.
667
00:28:45,780 --> 00:28:48,580
How widely do you think
these faxes and emails are going
668
00:28:48,580 --> 00:28:48,820
How widely do you think
in the United States?
669
00:28:48,820 --> 00:28:50,180
in the United States?
670
00:28:50,180 --> 00:28:50,420
Oh, I'm sure they're going out
in the United States?
671
00:28:50,420 --> 00:28:52,940
Oh, I'm sure they're going out
everywhere.
672
00:28:52,940 --> 00:28:56,660
I just don't know how they're
finding out where to send them.
673
00:28:56,660 --> 00:28:56,900
I just don't know how they're
This nurse practitioner in Alabama
674
00:28:56,900 --> 00:28:59,340
This nurse practitioner in Alabama
675
00:28:59,340 --> 00:28:59,580
ordered from
This nurse practitioner in Alabama
676
00:28:59,580 --> 00:29:01,820
ordered from
Total Compounding Pharmaceuticals
677
00:29:01,820 --> 00:29:04,060
for one of her patients.
678
00:29:04,060 --> 00:29:07,940
It took probably two weeks
to get here.
679
00:29:07,940 --> 00:29:11,780
So, that was, like,
the first red flag.
680
00:29:11,780 --> 00:29:13,540
I knew the minute that it came in
681
00:29:13,540 --> 00:29:15,700
I was not going to give it
to anybody,
682
00:29:15,700 --> 00:29:18,220
it was going to go
straight in the disposal
683
00:29:18,220 --> 00:29:21,580
because, number one,
it was not cooled,
684
00:29:21,580 --> 00:29:24,460
and then I realised
where it was shipped from,
685
00:29:24,460 --> 00:29:24,700
and then I realised
and it was from Australia.
686
00:29:24,700 --> 00:29:26,540
and it was from Australia.
687
00:29:26,540 --> 00:29:29,500
And I was shocked.
688
00:29:30,940 --> 00:29:34,580
We found a litany of complaints
from American customers
689
00:29:34,580 --> 00:29:37,300
about Total Compounding
Pharmaceuticals.
690
00:30:02,420 --> 00:30:07,540
I still get emails to this day
from Total Compounding Pharmacy
691
00:30:07,540 --> 00:30:11,140
wanting me to order more medicine
from them.
692
00:30:11,140 --> 00:30:16,660
But, of course, I'm not crazy enough
to do something like that.
693
00:30:18,980 --> 00:30:21,620
Our order still hadn't arrived,
694
00:30:21,620 --> 00:30:26,220
but my bank statement revealed
yet another name - Biopharmacy.
695
00:30:29,340 --> 00:30:31,140
Unlike TCP,
696
00:30:31,140 --> 00:30:35,660
it WAS once registered
as a real pharmacy in Australia.
697
00:30:45,980 --> 00:30:49,980
So, this is an address linked to
the company that we're interested in.
698
00:30:49,980 --> 00:30:50,220
So, this is an address linked to
The tenants next door have told us
699
00:30:50,220 --> 00:30:52,060
The tenants next door have told us
700
00:30:52,060 --> 00:30:54,940
that there was actually
a compounding pharmacy here,
701
00:30:54,940 --> 00:30:57,620
but they suddenly disappeared
a few years ago
702
00:30:57,620 --> 00:31:00,220
and left a whole lot of equipment,
including a pill press.
703
00:31:00,220 --> 00:31:04,460
They also said
there's lots of unopened mail
704
00:31:04,460 --> 00:31:04,700
They also said
that's been here for ages.
705
00:31:04,700 --> 00:31:07,700
that's been here for ages.
706
00:31:07,700 --> 00:31:07,940
There's a whole lot of different
that's been here for ages.
707
00:31:07,940 --> 00:31:11,820
There's a whole lot of different
company names linked to this address.
708
00:31:11,820 --> 00:31:15,140
So, it looks like
they definitely were here.
709
00:31:15,140 --> 00:31:15,380
So, it looks like
The tenants next door also told us
710
00:31:15,380 --> 00:31:17,380
The tenants next door also told us
711
00:31:17,380 --> 00:31:17,620
that they had people turning up
The tenants next door also told us
712
00:31:17,620 --> 00:31:20,820
that they had people turning up
to the tyre shop with scripts
713
00:31:20,820 --> 00:31:23,060
saying they were trying
to get them filled,
714
00:31:23,060 --> 00:31:23,300
saying they were trying
and they sent them in here.
715
00:31:23,300 --> 00:31:24,740
and they sent them in here.
716
00:31:24,740 --> 00:31:28,780
And this is where there actually
was a large compounding pharmacy,
717
00:31:28,780 --> 00:31:31,020
but they haven't been seen for years.
718
00:31:40,020 --> 00:31:43,820
And then the order we placed
finally arrived.
719
00:31:48,020 --> 00:31:50,540
So, this is the package
we've been waiting for.
720
00:31:50,540 --> 00:31:54,220
We're going to have to go and open it
and see what's actually inside.
721
00:32:05,100 --> 00:32:09,020
There's lots and lots of layers
of plastic.
722
00:32:10,620 --> 00:32:11,620
It stinks.
723
00:32:11,620 --> 00:32:11,860
It smells really strongly like
It stinks.
724
00:32:11,860 --> 00:32:16,180
It smells really strongly like
chemicals or plastic or something.
725
00:32:16,180 --> 00:32:16,420
It smells really strongly like
It's wet.
726
00:32:16,420 --> 00:32:18,860
It's wet.
727
00:32:21,020 --> 00:32:26,780
And here's our vial of red liquid.
728
00:32:31,620 --> 00:32:34,180
This looks like one of the ice packs
has exploded,
729
00:32:34,180 --> 00:32:37,140
so, there's weird stuff
all through it.
730
00:32:38,100 --> 00:32:42,380
There were syringes and
instructions on how much to inject
731
00:32:42,380 --> 00:32:45,660
even though we'd never sent a script.
732
00:32:45,660 --> 00:32:49,620
It says it was posted
from Dispatch Compound Centre,
733
00:32:49,620 --> 00:32:53,100
Queen Street Mall, Brisbane,
Queensland, Toowoomba.
734
00:32:53,100 --> 00:32:57,260
So, we have really no idea
where it's actually come from.
735
00:32:59,420 --> 00:33:04,020
And then a critical lead
came from an unhappy US customer.
736
00:33:04,020 --> 00:33:04,260
And then a critical lead
She wanted a refund,
737
00:33:04,260 --> 00:33:05,540
She wanted a refund,
738
00:33:05,540 --> 00:33:09,020
so, PayPal told her
to return the medicine to the seller
739
00:33:09,020 --> 00:33:09,260
so, PayPal told her
at a residential address in Sydney.
740
00:33:09,260 --> 00:33:12,340
at a residential address in Sydney.
741
00:33:22,100 --> 00:33:24,420
(KNOCKS)
742
00:33:34,740 --> 00:33:36,540
So, there's no answer at the door.
743
00:33:36,540 --> 00:33:39,100
But I've spoken to all
the neighbours surrounding the house.
744
00:33:39,100 --> 00:33:39,340
But I've spoken to all
They've all told me the same thing,
745
00:33:39,340 --> 00:33:40,580
They've all told me the same thing,
746
00:33:40,580 --> 00:33:44,100
that there's a constant stream of
deliveries turning up at the house,
747
00:33:44,100 --> 00:33:46,420
trucks that back into the driveway
748
00:33:46,420 --> 00:33:51,020
and unload large boxes, sometimes
things on pallets, into the garage,
749
00:33:51,020 --> 00:33:54,420
and that they keep to themselves and
that the blinds are often closed.
750
00:33:57,180 --> 00:33:59,780
We discovered the owner of the house
751
00:33:59,780 --> 00:34:03,700
is New South Wales
registered pharmacist Emad Azzer.
752
00:34:03,700 --> 00:34:07,260
His licence states
he's not allowed to compound drugs
753
00:34:07,260 --> 00:34:11,220
or have a financial interest
in any compounding pharmacy.
754
00:34:11,220 --> 00:34:13,980
His involvement
in the weight-loss-drug operation
755
00:34:13,980 --> 00:34:18,700
is obscured through a complex web
of fake pharmacy names.
756
00:34:21,900 --> 00:34:24,140
Would you be surprised to hear
757
00:34:24,140 --> 00:34:28,060
that we've found
an Australian registered pharmacist
758
00:34:28,060 --> 00:34:30,900
illegally compounding
weight-loss drugs
759
00:34:30,900 --> 00:34:32,220
and selling them without a script
760
00:34:32,220 --> 00:34:34,780
to Australians
and to people overseas?
761
00:34:34,780 --> 00:34:39,180
We are investigating
a number of organisations
762
00:34:39,180 --> 00:34:40,900
that we have information on
763
00:34:40,900 --> 00:34:41,100
that are doing things
that we have information on
764
00:34:41,100 --> 00:34:42,620
that are doing things
765
00:34:42,620 --> 00:34:47,140
that are outside of the legal
exemptions in this area.
766
00:34:47,140 --> 00:34:48,980
When will that be able
to be stopped?
767
00:34:48,980 --> 00:34:50,380
Because it's still happening today.
768
00:34:50,380 --> 00:34:51,940
We are moving as fast as we can
769
00:34:51,940 --> 00:34:57,020
in order to be able to bring about
the relevant changes.
770
00:34:57,020 --> 00:34:57,300
When there's a perceived
lucrative market in anywhere,
in order to be able to bring about
the relevant changes.
771
00:34:57,300 --> 00:35:02,620
When there's a perceived
lucrative market in anywhere,
772
00:35:02,620 --> 00:35:02,860
When there's a perceived
you're going to get cowboys.
773
00:35:02,860 --> 00:35:04,100
you're going to get cowboys.
774
00:35:04,100 --> 00:35:06,620
But the problem
is, at the moment with compounding,
775
00:35:06,620 --> 00:35:06,900
But the problem
is, at the moment with compounding,
there's really...there's not enough
checks and oversight
776
00:35:06,900 --> 00:35:10,740
there's really...there's not enough
checks and oversight
777
00:35:10,740 --> 00:35:12,220
that's happening.
778
00:35:12,220 --> 00:35:16,740
And, so, until we get that, we're
going to keep seeing these cowboys.
779
00:35:16,740 --> 00:35:18,100
And unfortunately what it does
780
00:35:18,100 --> 00:35:18,340
is it puts pressure on the guys
And unfortunately what it does
781
00:35:18,340 --> 00:35:21,940
is it puts pressure on the guys
that are actually doing things
782
00:35:21,940 --> 00:35:22,180
is it puts pressure on the guys
as they should.
783
00:35:22,180 --> 00:35:23,460
as they should.
784
00:35:27,340 --> 00:35:32,740
(CHATTER, LAUGHTER)
785
00:35:32,740 --> 00:35:34,620
In February, the TGA made a move
786
00:35:34,620 --> 00:35:37,580
against the established
compounding industry
787
00:35:37,580 --> 00:35:37,820
against the established
with a proposal to stop them
788
00:35:37,820 --> 00:35:39,180
with a proposal to stop them
789
00:35:39,180 --> 00:35:39,420
from compounding
with a proposal to stop them
790
00:35:39,420 --> 00:35:43,420
from compounding
replica weight-loss drugs altogether.
791
00:35:49,220 --> 00:35:51,420
The Therapeutic Goods Administration
792
00:35:51,420 --> 00:35:54,420
will move to ban
compounding pharmacists
793
00:35:54,420 --> 00:35:58,060
from making their own versions
of injectable weight-loss drugs
794
00:35:58,060 --> 00:35:58,300
from making their own versions
like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
795
00:35:58,300 --> 00:36:00,780
like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
796
00:36:00,780 --> 00:36:03,940
I'm joined by health reporter
Elise Worthington.
797
00:36:05,100 --> 00:36:09,380
The TGA has concerns that this
is happening on such a wide scale
798
00:36:09,380 --> 00:36:11,540
that it could be
a public health and safety risk.
799
00:36:11,540 --> 00:36:15,260
So, it's kind of thrown people
into a bit of a spin
800
00:36:15,260 --> 00:36:18,420
because people who are taking these
medications are very reliant on them.
801
00:36:18,420 --> 00:36:18,660
because people who are taking these
If they cease taking them,
802
00:36:18,660 --> 00:36:20,180
If they cease taking them,
803
00:36:20,180 --> 00:36:23,300
the studies show that people
immediately regain weight,
804
00:36:23,300 --> 00:36:24,900
if that's the reason
that they're taking them for.
805
00:36:24,900 --> 00:36:25,140
if that's the reason
If they're taking them for diabetes,
806
00:36:25,140 --> 00:36:26,380
If they're taking them for diabetes,
807
00:36:26,380 --> 00:36:28,140
they need to continue that medication
as well.
808
00:36:28,140 --> 00:36:31,420
So, of course, people aren't choosing
to take compounded medications.
809
00:36:31,420 --> 00:36:32,980
They'd much rather
have the name brand,
810
00:36:32,980 --> 00:36:36,300
but that's just not available
regularly in a good supply
811
00:36:36,300 --> 00:36:36,540
but that's just not available
in Australia at the moment.
812
00:36:36,540 --> 00:36:38,460
in Australia at the moment.
813
00:36:38,460 --> 00:36:39,700
Is this an admission
814
00:36:39,700 --> 00:36:42,900
that there's been a failure in
regulation that's led to this point?
815
00:36:42,900 --> 00:36:44,860
I think
this is how regulation works,
816
00:36:44,860 --> 00:36:45,100
I think
recognising that there is activity
817
00:36:45,100 --> 00:36:46,900
recognising that there is activity
818
00:36:46,900 --> 00:36:47,140
that is not in keeping
recognising that there is activity
819
00:36:47,140 --> 00:36:49,940
that is not in keeping
with the safety of the community
820
00:36:49,940 --> 00:36:50,180
that is not in keeping
and taking action to address it.
821
00:36:50,180 --> 00:36:52,980
and taking action to address it.
822
00:36:55,940 --> 00:36:58,180
Total Compounding Pharmaceuticals
823
00:36:58,180 --> 00:37:01,060
has been able
to operate for years unchecked.
824
00:37:01,060 --> 00:37:06,020
The TGA first received reports about
the scam at least five months ago.
825
00:37:06,020 --> 00:37:10,580
Last week we shared the findings
of our investigation with them.
826
00:37:10,580 --> 00:37:12,100
48 hours later
827
00:37:12,100 --> 00:37:15,540
they executed a search warrant
at Emad Azzer's home.
828
00:37:37,900 --> 00:37:40,220
A team of forensics experts
829
00:37:40,220 --> 00:37:44,220
has descended on the house in
Western Sydney looking for evidence.
830
00:37:44,220 --> 00:37:46,740
The owners of this house
haven't been seen for days,
831
00:37:46,740 --> 00:37:48,980
and the letters that we've left
requesting comment
832
00:37:48,980 --> 00:37:51,620
are still by the front door.
833
00:37:53,780 --> 00:37:55,220
Inside the property
834
00:37:55,220 --> 00:37:55,460
investigators found vials
Inside the property
835
00:37:55,460 --> 00:37:58,260
investigators found vials
of red liquid,
836
00:37:58,260 --> 00:37:58,500
investigators found vials
which they seized for testing.
837
00:37:58,500 --> 00:38:00,180
which they seized for testing.
838
00:38:00,180 --> 00:38:03,060
There was also packaging
and documents.
839
00:38:03,060 --> 00:38:07,060
The TGA says
its investigations are ongoing.
840
00:38:08,900 --> 00:38:10,940
DR KATHRYN WILLIAMS: It's a natural
progression, isn't it?
841
00:38:10,940 --> 00:38:14,220
Because people are desperate
for a drug. There's a market.
842
00:38:14,220 --> 00:38:16,500
Someone's going to try
and fill that market.
843
00:38:17,460 --> 00:38:20,060
I think it's a total system failure.
844
00:38:20,060 --> 00:38:22,260
We really need
to solve this problem.
845
00:38:26,460 --> 00:38:29,860
Dr Kathryn Williams
despairs over the struggle
846
00:38:29,860 --> 00:38:33,500
to access weight-loss drugs
for her patients.
847
00:38:34,620 --> 00:38:37,380
I suppose that's what
I would really like to get across,
848
00:38:37,380 --> 00:38:39,900
that this is an emergency
for some people.
849
00:38:40,780 --> 00:38:42,340
(PHONE RINGS)
850
00:38:42,340 --> 00:38:46,180
Good morning. Metabolic Health
Service. Wilma speaking.
851
00:38:46,180 --> 00:38:48,700
OK, certainly.
So, just your name, please.
852
00:38:50,460 --> 00:38:54,740
The Nepean Family Metabolic
Health Service in Sydney's west
853
00:38:54,740 --> 00:38:59,660
treats patients with complex
obesity-related health problems.
854
00:39:00,620 --> 00:39:04,180
The crisis over the cost
and availability of weight-loss drugs
855
00:39:04,180 --> 00:39:04,420
The crisis over the cost
is felt acutely here.
856
00:39:04,420 --> 00:39:06,980
is felt acutely here.
857
00:39:06,980 --> 00:39:07,220
Being an obesity specialist
has really challenged me as a doctor
is felt acutely here.
858
00:39:07,220 --> 00:39:11,980
Being an obesity specialist
has really challenged me as a doctor
859
00:39:11,980 --> 00:39:14,700
because I know what will work,
860
00:39:14,700 --> 00:39:14,940
because I know what will work,
but I can't always get access
to what will work.
861
00:39:14,940 --> 00:39:18,500
but I can't always get access
to what will work.
862
00:39:18,500 --> 00:39:23,580
And I see people suffering every day
and people that are really sick
863
00:39:23,580 --> 00:39:26,940
and the hoops
that we have to go through
864
00:39:26,940 --> 00:39:28,540
to get the medications
to those people
865
00:39:28,540 --> 00:39:28,780
to get the medications
that will have a massive effect,
866
00:39:28,780 --> 00:39:30,060
that will have a massive effect,
867
00:39:30,060 --> 00:39:32,020
and we can't provide that.
868
00:39:41,580 --> 00:39:45,300
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
869
00:39:52,780 --> 00:39:55,980
We know that when you lose weight
870
00:39:55,980 --> 00:39:56,220
a certain amount of muscle mass
We know that when you lose weight
871
00:39:56,220 --> 00:39:59,140
a certain amount of muscle mass
is also lost.
872
00:40:00,100 --> 00:40:03,620
Dr Williams leads
the multidisciplinary program
873
00:40:03,620 --> 00:40:05,020
at Nepean Hospital.
874
00:40:05,020 --> 00:40:09,740
Some patients have to wait for years
to get a place here.
875
00:40:10,900 --> 00:40:15,180
It's important to have protein food
as you're losing weight.
876
00:40:15,180 --> 00:40:18,380
But there's no guarantee
they'll be able to access drugs
877
00:40:18,380 --> 00:40:18,620
But there's no guarantee
like Ozempic and Mounjaro
878
00:40:18,620 --> 00:40:20,100
like Ozempic and Mounjaro
879
00:40:20,100 --> 00:40:22,300
to help them lose weight.
880
00:40:23,500 --> 00:40:25,060
PATIENT: So, with the cost,
881
00:40:25,060 --> 00:40:27,540
if, obviously, it's something like
$400 a month,
882
00:40:27,540 --> 00:40:32,700
that's not going to be in my budget
to be able to afford.
883
00:40:32,700 --> 00:40:36,620
But if it was within my budget,
I'd definitely be trying it.
884
00:40:36,620 --> 00:40:36,860
But if it was within my budget,
So, across the day...
885
00:40:36,860 --> 00:40:38,780
So, across the day...
886
00:40:38,780 --> 00:40:42,580
I think everyone in this group
has medical indication
887
00:40:42,580 --> 00:40:43,820
for these medications,
888
00:40:43,820 --> 00:40:47,020
and, so, if they choose that
that is the right therapy for them,
889
00:40:47,020 --> 00:40:49,220
then they have the right
to access them.
890
00:40:49,220 --> 00:40:53,420
And I wish that they would have
the access to those medications.
891
00:40:53,420 --> 00:40:57,780
And what have been the challenges
with these medications
892
00:40:57,780 --> 00:40:58,020
And what have been the challenges
for you as a service?
893
00:40:58,020 --> 00:41:00,260
for you as a service?
894
00:41:00,260 --> 00:41:03,100
The biggest one has been
the fact that it's user pays.
895
00:41:03,100 --> 00:41:04,980
So, our patients
896
00:41:04,980 --> 00:41:09,060
don't have the economic ability
to pay for these drugs as a rule.
897
00:41:09,060 --> 00:41:09,300
don't have the economic ability
We're creating health inequity.
898
00:41:09,300 --> 00:41:11,540
We're creating health inequity.
899
00:41:14,260 --> 00:41:16,180
Ayipey!
Would you like to come through?
900
00:41:16,180 --> 00:41:16,420
Ayipey!
It's not just the cost.
901
00:41:16,420 --> 00:41:17,820
It's not just the cost.
902
00:41:17,820 --> 00:41:20,300
Even those who start
on the medications
903
00:41:20,300 --> 00:41:23,620
can't be sure
they'll be able to continue on them.
904
00:41:23,620 --> 00:41:25,780
So, I understand
you've been having a bit of trouble
905
00:41:25,780 --> 00:41:26,020
So, I understand
accessing the Ozempic therapy,
906
00:41:26,020 --> 00:41:27,740
accessing the Ozempic therapy,
907
00:41:27,740 --> 00:41:31,060
and, like expected,
when you come off these medications,
908
00:41:31,060 --> 00:41:32,420
there is a little bit
of weight regain
909
00:41:32,420 --> 00:41:35,100
despite your best efforts
and you eating well.
910
00:41:35,100 --> 00:41:35,340
despite your best efforts
It's a bit...annoying,
911
00:41:35,340 --> 00:41:39,020
It's a bit...annoying,
912
00:41:39,020 --> 00:41:40,460
like it comes and then it goes,
913
00:41:40,460 --> 00:41:42,940
and then you get confused
in between,
914
00:41:42,940 --> 00:41:46,260
because being obese or overweight,
915
00:41:46,260 --> 00:41:48,220
it's not...it's not something...
916
00:41:48,220 --> 00:41:48,460
Mm.
it's not...it's not something...
917
00:41:48,460 --> 00:41:50,220
Mm.
It's not good.
918
00:41:51,180 --> 00:41:55,020
I wish we will have it
for people like me
919
00:41:55,020 --> 00:41:56,380
so that we will not
run out.
920
00:41:56,380 --> 00:41:57,700
Like, every time
you go,
921
00:41:57,700 --> 00:41:59,420
you get what the doctor
wants you to get.
922
00:41:59,420 --> 00:41:59,660
you get what the doctor
And it will help us
923
00:41:59,660 --> 00:42:01,060
And it will help us
924
00:42:01,060 --> 00:42:02,500
because without that
925
00:42:02,500 --> 00:42:05,060
it makes you also...
your mental health,
926
00:42:05,060 --> 00:42:08,740
you start to worry and panic
and all that.
927
00:42:17,340 --> 00:42:22,340
Until drug companies can improve
supply of the brand-name medications,
928
00:42:22,340 --> 00:42:26,900
there's an opportunity for
unscrupulous players to fill the gap.
929
00:42:31,260 --> 00:42:34,380
I don't think anyone knew
that this was going to happen.
930
00:42:34,380 --> 00:42:37,260
But I guess in retrospect
it's pretty obvious.
931
00:42:38,420 --> 00:42:41,100
So far
regulators are playing catch-up,
932
00:42:41,100 --> 00:42:41,340
So far
leaving consumers exposed.
933
00:42:41,340 --> 00:42:44,340
leaving consumers exposed.
934
00:42:45,300 --> 00:42:49,380
Don't go to these scammy things
that come up in an ad on Facebook
935
00:42:49,380 --> 00:42:50,660
or you get an email.
936
00:42:50,660 --> 00:42:52,620
People are desperate
937
00:42:52,620 --> 00:42:55,020
because they just want to be able
938
00:42:55,020 --> 00:42:57,860
to be the best versions
of themselves.
939
00:42:57,860 --> 00:43:01,380
We just want to be able
to access these medications.
940
00:43:01,380 --> 00:43:03,380
And there's no reason
for the judgement.
941
00:43:03,380 --> 00:43:03,620
And there's no reason
They are life-changing.
942
00:43:03,620 --> 00:43:06,660
They are life-changing.
943
00:43:06,660 --> 00:43:07,980
They're life-changing medications.
944
00:43:07,980 --> 00:43:10,060
So... Yeah.
945
00:43:14,260 --> 00:43:16,260
(THEME MUSIC PLAYS)
946
00:43:31,460 --> 00:43:33,260
Captions by Red Bee Media
947
00:43:33,260 --> 00:43:33,500
Copyright
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Captions by Red Bee Media
948
00:43:33,500 --> 00:43:35,460
Copyright
Australian Broadcasting Corporation