News
October 16, 2023: More fake Ozempic appears in the EU
Almost 200 packages of fake Ozempic traveled from Austria to the U.K. via Germany. An 11th man was sentenced in a $52mm cough medicine counterfeiting scheme. Europol reports the seizure of medical products. Additional news about pill presses in Mexico and the U.S.
[...]October 9, 2023: Florida conmen who sold industrial bleach as a COVID cure sentenced to federal prison
The leaders of the “Genesis II Church of Health and Healing” received a cumulative 34 years in prison. A NYC pharmacist pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering after selling black market HIV drugs. Pill press operations busted in NYC and Rhode Island.
[...]October 2, 2023: After deaths overseas, the FDA is working to protect Americans from toxic cough syrup.
The FDA is cracking down on lax safety testing of raw drug ingredients. Major players in HIV drug and cough syrup counterfeiting schemes pleaded guilty in federal court.
Counterfeit Avastin in Pakistan blinded over 70 retinopathy patients.
CBP at JFK Airport intercepted 14 pairs of pill press dies. Additional news about illicit pill presses in five states.
[...]PSM Executive Director to Speak at USPTO Roundtable on Counterfeits
Shabbir Imber Safdar, executive director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, will participate in the upcoming United States Patent and Trademark Office Roundtable: Future strategies in anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy.
[...]September 18, 2023: USFDA concerned that eight companies, including two pharmacies, are illegally marketing unapproved ophthalmic drug products
USFDA is concerned that eight companies, including two pharmacies, are illegally marketing unapproved ophthalmic drug products that pose a heightened risk to users. Counterfeit pills make the DHS’ threat assessment list for 2024.
[...]PSM and ADAP Advocacy call for more awareness about counterfeit medicines
Data recently shared in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report highlights a growing problem: Counterfeit pill availability is rising in the drug supply chain, but also the illicit drug market.
[...]Teach Your Community With These Conference Slides
Running slides between conference sessions and during breaks is a great way to fit in a little extra information. Use these slides to teach your community about counterfeit medicines in the U.S.
[...]September 11, 2023: Global fake medicine trade’s scope revealed by incidents in U.K., India, Turkey and elsewhere
A U.K. couple was sentenced for selling 65 different brands of unapproved medicines. Counterfeit therapeutic medicines reported in India, Turkey and Pakistan. News about counterfeit pills made of dangerous substances in 13 states
[...]September 5, 2023: U.S. fake pill deaths more than doubled from July 2019 to December 2021
CDC data shows an alarming climb in pill deaths, particularly in western states. Narcan, which reverses opioid overdoses, is now available over-the-counter. Fake medicine seized in Las Vegas. News involving counterfeit pills in 17 states.
[...]August 28, 2023: Florida officials asked to address “deficiencies” in their Canadian drug importation proposal
The FDA asked Florida to clarify its drug importation plan. More contaminated eye drops in the U.S. Fake medicine, including a cancer treatment, in Mexico. U.S. patients treated with illegally imported Botox and lip filler. News about counterfeit pills made with fentanyl in 18 states.
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