Mapping the World of Counterfeits

Marv D. Shepherd, PhD From intellectual property violations to grave health risks, the Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM) brings you the facts and figures regarding the harmful effects of counterfeit drugs. One of our most popular tools: the interactive map of counterfeit drug incidents. As a PSM member, the International Anticounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) understands the…

[...]

Medical Sales Representative Caught Selling Fake Flu Vaccines

View larger map What: The National Bureau of Investigation in the Philippines caught a former medical sales representative selling fake Vaxigrip – a flu vaccine – throughout the country. When: July 28, 2009 Where: The Philippines, including the cities of Manila and Makati, as well as the Laguna province. Who: Sanofi Pasteur, Sanofi-Aventis Group Additional…

[...]

2 Million Counterfeit Needles Found in Europe

View larger map What: More than two million counterfeit insulin needles were found in established European distribution channels. When: July 1, 2009 Where: Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom How: A Dutch company purchased insulin needles from a wholesaler in Malaysia, which claimed the needles came from Iran. The needles were subsequently distributed throughout the…

[...]

Counterfeit Heparin Blamed for Worldwide Deaths

View larger map What: Counterfeit heparin has been linked to the deaths of 81 people and resulted in hundreds of allergic reactions in the United States. Batches of contaminated heparin were also detected in 11 other countries – resulting in as many as 68 more deaths. Reports issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration…

[...]

Counterfeit ‘Lifestyle’ Drugs Uncovered in Indonesia

Counterfeit ‘Lifestyle’ Drugs Uncovered in Indonesia View Larger Map What: Counterfeit drugs, including antibiotics, contraceptives and blood pressure medications were seized in Indonesia. Counterfeit lifestyle drugs including whitening creams and erectile dysfunction medications were also found. When: March 17, 2009 Where: Towns across the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. Additional details: The Jakarta…

[...]

Southern California Oncologist Convicted in Cancer Drug Importation Scheme

In May 2009, Dr. Vinod Patwardhan, an oncologist working in Upland and Chino, California, was found guilty by a jury of smuggling foreign, misbranded cancer drugs into the United States and administering them to his patients. Between 2004 and 2008, Patwardhan purchased $1.3 million worth of injectable cancer drugs from foreign sources. He and his…

[...]