Zero Tolerance For Counterfeit Drugs
The proliferation of counterfeit drugs on the global market and easy availability via online pharmacies is an increasing problem. The makers of counterfeit drugs have enjoyed and profited from loopholes in a system designed to deliver healthy medicines to those in need. The rising cost of prescription medications and the ubiquitous presence of online and overseas pharmacies means more people than ever are threatened by these counterfeiting operations.
Counterfeit medicines, already widespread in the developing world, are now being found increasingly in the EU. While Internet-based sales are the main source of counterfeit medicines, these products are also appearing in the traditional supply chain. Urgent measures are required to protect European patients, including a ban on medicine repackaging.
"Even one single case of counterfeit medicine is unacceptable", commented Brian Ager, Director General of EFPIA. "Counterfeiting medicines is a highly lucrative criminal activity that can have serious consequences for the patient and can undermine public confidence in medicines.
14 May 2008