Note: This advice is given by the CAP Executive about non-broadcast advertising. It does not constitute legal advice. It does not bind CAP, CAP advisory panels or the Advertising Standards Authority.
At the end of 2004, the Medicines and Healthcare products Agency (MHRA) alerted CAP to a problem with a product called Lipostabil, also sold under names such as Flabjab, Lipomelt, Lipodissolve and Fat-Away, which has been promoted as a cosmetic treatment for the reduction of fat. Lipostabil is different from licensed prescription-only medicines such as Saxenda, Victoza and Ozempic which can be sold but must not be advertised to the public (see Healthcare: Prescription-only medicines).
Lipostabil is an intravenous preparation of phosphatidylcholine, used for the prevention and treatment of blood vessel blockages caused by fat particles (fat embolism). It is derived from soya beans, which contain the active ingredient phosphatidylcholine, and is specifically formulated for intravenous administration.
All medicinal products are required to have a marketing authorisation (product licence) in accordance with Regulation 46 (1) Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1916).
The MHRA has advised us that Lipostabil continues to be classified as a medicinal product and that it is not licensed to be sold or supplied in the UK. As such, the product must not be advertised.
More information is available from the MHRA.