More Cancer Drugs Stolen in Italy By Organized Crime Racket Found On Black Market
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has reported two additional cancer treatments that have been illegally distributed, after their theft in Italy in April, 2014.
Lots of two additional cancer medications, Avastin (bevacizumab), an injectable cancer treatment used for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and kidney cancer and MabThera (rituximab), a treatment of cancers of the lymphatic system were found “distributed illegally from their territory,” reports the EMA.
In April, lots of stolen cancer medication from Italy were discovered contaminated in the United Kingdom, Germany and Finland, reported the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The Italian Medicines Agency alleges the perpetrators are members the Camorra organized crime syndicate, originating in Naples, and Eastern European networks. Stolen vials labeled as Herceptin (trastuzumab) but containing no active ingredient were found in Finland, used to treat breast cancer, reported Bloomberg. The complete list of current stolen lot numbers is available on the EMA website.
Counterfeit and diverted cancer medications have also entered the US. Learn more about black market cancer drug cases in the United States.
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