The Problem With Counterfeit Drugs
May 15th, 2008 | by admin |An editorial published this week in The Lancetcalls attention to the growing crisis concerning counterfeit drugs.Currently, America is dealing with a potential case of counterfeitingin the drug heparin. It is possible that a contaminant found in batchesof heparin has led to the death of at least 81 patients.
Between 2000 and 2007, according to the Editorial, the US Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) has witnessed an 800% increase in the number ofnew counterfeit cases. It is thought that in developing countries, withweak or non-existing regulatory systems, about 10 - 30% of drugs arecounterfeit. Due to their high demand, antimalarials are a popularchoice for counterfeiters - fake medicines have been introduced intothe markets in several countries in Asia.
The Editorial calls for a multi-lateral approach in order to combatcounterfeiters, and states the necessary involvement of WHO, countriesand the pharmaceutical industry.
“According to WHO, only 20% of its member states have well-developeddrug regulatory systems, and around 30% have no or weak drugregulation… Drug authorities also need to work effectively withcustoms, the police, scientists, health workers, WHO, and INTERPOL.This type of collaborative approach has proved successful in tacklingcounterfeit antimalarials in southeast Asia. The pharmaceuticalindustry should be legally required to report suspected cases ofcounterfeiting to the relevant national drug authority - a practice whichis currently voluntary. Companies must also be encouraged to lower theprices of their products in developing countries to reduce the economicincentive for counterfeiters,” writes the Editorial.
It concludes that, “There is no magic bullet to deal with counterfeitmedicines. Countries need to adopt multipronged, multidisciplinaryapproaches to combat the problem. WHO and donor countries shouldprovide support to developing nations to strengthen their drugregulatory systems. But individual governmental commitment to this goalis essential. Without it, public safety will continue to becompromised.”
Combating counterfeit drugs
Editorial
The Lancet (2008): 371[9624]. p. 1551.
ClickHere to View Journal Website
Written by: Peter M Crosta
Copyright: Medical News Today
Stumble it!