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The Problem With Counterfeit Drugs
An editorial published this week in The Lancet
calls attention to the growing crisis concerning counterfeit drugs.
Currently, America is dealing with a potential case of counterfeiting
in the drug heparin. It is possible that a contaminant found in batches
of heparin has led to the death of at least 81 patients.
Between 2000 and 2006, according to the Editorial, the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has witnessed an 800% increase in the number of
new counterfeit cases. It is thought that in developing countries, with
weak or non-existing regulatory systems, about 10 - 30% of drugs are
counterfeit. Due to their high demand, antimalarials are a popular
choice for counterfeiters - fake medicines have been introduced into
the markets in several countries in Asia.
The Editorial calls for a multi-lateral approach in order to combat
counterfeiters, and states the necessary involvement of WHO, countries
and the pharmaceutical industry.
“According to WHO, only 20% of its member states have well-developed
drug regulatory systems, and around 30% have no or weak drug
regulation… Drug authorities also need to work effectively with
customs, the police, scientists, health workers, WHO, and INTERPOL.
This type of collaborative approach has proved successful in tackling
counterfeit antimalarials in southeast Asia. The pharmaceutical
industry should be legally required to report suspected cases of
counterfeiting to the relevant national drug authority - a practice which
is currently voluntary. Companies must also be encouraged to lower the
prices of their products in developing countries to reduce the economic
incentive for counterfeiters,” writes the Editorial.
It concludes that, “There is no magic bullet to deal with counterfeit
medicines. Countries need to adopt multipronged, multidisciplinary
approaches to combat the problem. WHO and donor countries should
provide support to developing nations to strengthen their drug
regulatory systems. But individual governmental commitment to this goal
is essential. Without it, public safety will continue to be
compromised.”
Combating counterfeit drugs
Editorial
The Lancet (2008): 371[9624]. p. 1551.
Click
Here to View Journal Website
Written by: Peter M Crosta
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
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