Strategizing for Safety from Counterfeit Drugs

On April 6, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released a summary of negotiations that have taken place since the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) was introduced in June 2008. Countries from across the world, including the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Switzerland, have joined the ACTA to help governments combat the harmful manufacture and distribution of fake goods, such as counterfeit drugs.

[...]

LEADERs in the Fight Against Counterfeit Drugs

In the past two weeks, the Partnership for Safe Medicines issued two SafeMeds Alerts about counterfeit insulin pen needles and herbal medication adulterated with dangerously high levels of undeclared pharmaceuticals in the United Kingdom. It is tempting to disregard these alerts since the drugs were found in England, not the United States. But in today’s global environment, we are all at risk when these unsafe products move through the drug supply chain undetected.

[...]

Special promotional items for partner members

Promoting The Partnership On Your Website In our ongoing mission to reach ever more consumers about the dangers of counterfeit drugs, every partner with a website and an audience can play an important role.  Here are some ways you can include our information on your website. Consumer Promotional Box The promotional box below can be…

[...]

Drug Importation: Small Savings at a Large Cost

Supporters of drug importation like to cite the statistic that if the United States were to permit drug importation, it would reduce total drug spending by $40 billion over 10 years. This figure is from the 2004 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issue brief on drug importation.

[...]

Thevis M, Schrader Y, Thomas A, Sigmund G, Geyer H, Schänzer W. Analysis of Confiscated Black Market Drugs Using Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Approaches. J Anal Toxicol. 2008 Apr;32(3):232-240.

Abstract. In the context of house searches in Germany, numerous drugs were confiscated and subjected to chemical analysis, including anabolic agents such as various anabolic-androgenic steroids (stanozolol, testosterone derivatives, trenbolone esters, etc.) and clenbuterol, as well as agents with anti-estrogenic activity (tamoxifen, clomiphene), drugs stimulating virility (sildenafil, tadalafil), and unlabeled plastic bags. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass…

[...]

Nigeria-bound HIV/AIDS Drugs Seized in Netherlands

Nigeria-bound HIV/AIDS Drugs Seized in Netherlands View larger map What: On November 12, 2008, Dutch authorities seized a shipment of Indian-made abacavir—an antiretroviral drug for HIV/AIDS treatment—bound for Nigeria. The abacavir tablets were found to violate patent rules and were declared counterfeit; however it’s been disputed whether the drugs were actually counterfeit. The Financial Times reported that “dozens” of HIV patients were…

[...]

Thousands of Fake Pills Removed from UK Pharmacies

View larger map Thirty thousand packs of counterfeit life-saving drugs may have been consumed by National Health Service (NHS) patients, including drugs used to treat prostate cancer, strokes, heart conditions and schizophrenia. When: June 2007 Where: The United Kingdom How: According to reports by the BBC, reputable UK wholesalers were “duped by sophisticated counterfeits.” Who:  MHRA; National…

[...]

The Last Line of Defense Against Counterfeit Drugs

Recently, there has been talk in our nation’s Capitol about overhauling the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) presence both in the United States and abroad. This is an important step in improving the safety of prescription medications from the global public health threat of counterfeit drugs and the untold harm they cause unsuspecting consumers. But, with limited budget and resources, will the FDA be able to pull off the task?

[...]

Expert Resources: Testimony: Partnership for Safe Medicines

Expert Resources: Testimony This page is a guide to online resources about counterfeit medicines, internet pharmacy issues, and diversion problems. The material is drawn from hearings before legislatures and from other government-sponsored forums. 2006 July 11, 2006: Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Security. U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy,…

[...]