New Batch of Counterfeit Cancer Drug Avastin Found in US
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the public 3 April of newly-found counterfeit bevacizumab (Avastin) containing no active ingredient-the second case to occur within the last two months.
FDA previously warned consumers and healthcare professionals about counterfeit batches of Avastin on 14 February 2012, when it found an unauthorized supplier selling the counterfeit drug. As many as 19 medical practices had purchased the counterfeit drug.
FDA's newest safety communication, made 3 April 2012, warns of counterfeit copies of Roche's Altuzan-commonly known in the US as Avastin-containing no active ingredients sold through a "foreign source."
FDA reports the drugs came from Richards Pharma, also known as Richards Services, Warwick Healthcare Solutions and Ban Dune Marketing Inc (BDMI). FDA further claims the supplier deals almost exclusively with counterfeit products.
"The products should be retained and securely stored until further notice by FDA," said the agency in the communication.
The counterfeit drugs are Altuzan 400mg/16ml, lot number B6021.
Read more:
FDA - Altuzan (bevacizumab): Counterfeit Product - Contains no Active Ingredient
Regulatory Focus - Counterfeit Avastin Found in US, Warns FDA
Regulatory Focus - Spotlight on Counterfeiting After Fake Avastin Found in US
Regulatory Focus - Journal: Counterfeit Market Doubling, Risking Supply Chains