61 Victims of Fake Cancer Drugs in Shanghai

Sixty one patients who suffered complications due to the use of counterfeit cancer drugs, have been identified as plaintiffs in a Shanghai fake drug case, implicating 18 possible defendants.

On February 2, 2011, the People’s Republic of China Shanghai Information Office announced that 116 patients, prescribed Avastin, a cancer drug also used to treat macular degeneration, were given counterfeit medication in early September 2010 at Shanghai No. 1 People’s Hospital. Of the 116, 61 suffered side effects of eye inflammation and poor vision. Of those 17 required surgery, and all 61 were hospitalized.

With the assistance of the Avastin’s manufacturer, Roche, the drug was tested by the city’s drug accreditation institute and found to be false. This batch was sold to the Shanghai Ruijin-AmMed Cancer Center, which illegally purchased the drug, and was transferred, through unidentified means, to the Shanghai No. 1 People’s Hospital eye department. Shanghai Ruijim-AmMed Cancer Center’s drug sales licenses has been revoked and all illegal drugs confiscated. In addition, fines and illegal profit confiscation have been imposed by officials.

Suspects are charged with producing and selling fake drugs, including cancer center employees, some of which have been identified as residents of Hong Kong. In addition, the president and vice president of the hospital have received an administrative penalty on their career records, and the two doctors who administered the fakes have been suspended from practice for six months.