June 20 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO)

on Thursday issued warnings on falsified semaglutides used in

diabetes and weight-loss drugs in light of three altered batches

of products detected in Brazil, the UK and the United States.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient used in Novo Nordisk's

diabetes drug Ozempic and weight-loss treatment

Wegovy.

The WHO has been observing increased reports of falsified

semaglutide products in Brazil, the UK and the United States

since 2022, it said, though Thursday's was the first official

notice issued by the agency after confirmation of some reports.

It has also noted increased demand for these medicines.

Falsified products could be harmful and if they do not have

the necessary raw components, they can lead to health

complications resulting from unmanaged blood glucose levels or

weight, the WHO said.