Counterfeit Cancer Drug Ring Exposed In Chinese Trial
On May 20, 2011 eleven defendants pleaded guilty to producing and selling fake cancer drug medication that caused eye infections in 61 people in Shanghai, China. The counterfeit cancer medication, given to patients suffering macular degeneration, was contaminated saline, reported the prosecution to the Luwan District People’s Court, reported English Eastday. A drug test report by the Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control found that the fake Avastin contained excessive bacteria endotoxin. The 61 patients were among 116 people who received the fake medicine in September 2010.
Who: Luwan District Prosecutors.
When: May 20, 2011; September 2010-May 2011.
Where: Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China.
How: After massive illness outbreak, drugs were tested by Shanghai Drug Accreditation Institute.
Additional details: The process for the distribution of the fake medication was detailed by defendants.
Related sources:
“ 11 admit fake drug scandal roles,” English Eastday.com. 5/20/2011.
“18 Facing Charges Over Fake Eye Drug Injections,” People’s Republic of China Shanghai Information Office. 02/01/2011.
“Fake Cancer Drug Ring Exposed In Chinese Trial,” Partnership For Safe Medicines. May 20, 2011.