Fake medicine, real problem
Four years after the discovery of counterfeit Lipitor led to the biggest drug recall in U.S. history, the world's top pharmaceutical companies are experimenting with new technologies to battle a rising tide of phony drugs that are making their way into medicine cabinets.
Fake medicines are a $32 billion global business, according to the World Health Organization, and the Food and Drug Administration said it conducted 54 investigations last year — almost double the number in 2005.
BY GEORGE E. JORDAN
22 October 2007