US Could Enlist Celebrities, Influencers in Fight Against Fake Medicines
Summary
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is seeking information from vendors about a possible nationwide campaign to warn the public about counterfeit medicines and medical devices. The proposal could include outreach to celebrities and influencers, but the documents describe market research only, not an awarded contract or a confirmed campaign.Key Facts
- The proposed campaign could use media relations, videos, social media content and a dedicated website.
- Procurement documents say vendors may identify and pitch influencers, celebrities and journalists to promote the campaign.
- The documents list no participants, budget, appearance fees or launch date.
- The USPTO says the market research does not commit the agency to launch a campaign.
- The FDA says counterfeit medicines may contain harmful substances or incorrect amounts of active ingredients.
- In an August 2025 operation in Cincinnati, Customs and Border Protection and the FDA seized 54,843 counterfeit products, which CBP said would have been worth more than $3.53 million if genuine.
- The August operation included 16,740 counterfeit prefilled medicated pens labeled as Ozempic, semaglutide, retatrutide or tirzepatide.
- In December 2025, the FDA said it had seized dozens of counterfeit Ozempic injection units that had entered the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain.
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