DTMT Network

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has alerted India about several batches of fake Soliris (eculizumab) that was reported to it between November and December 2021, an official statement released by the organisation said.

The genuine manufacturer of Soliris, has confirmed that the products listed in this alert are falsified; the falsified products were reported at the patient level and regulated supply chains in the above-mentioned countries, the statement elaborated.

Soliris, which contains eculizumab is a human monoclonal antibody a medication used to treat various life-threatening conditions like paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, generalised Myasthenia Gravis and Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

“The products identified in this Alert are confirmed as falsified on the basis that they deliberately/fraudulently misrepresent their identity, composition or source,” the WHO said.

In its advice to regulatory authorities and the public in the affected countries the WHO requested the countries of “increased attention within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by these falsified products; increased surveillance should include hospitals, clinics, health centres, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies and any other suppliers of medical products.”

The WHO cautioned people against using such medications and urged them to report to the appropriate authorities in case they come across any fake medications.

According to various estimates, the Indian economy loses a whopping 15,000 crore due to fake drugs annually. The health ministry estimates that 5% of drugs in India are counterfeit, while 0.3% is spurious.