Health Ministry warns of falsified Avastin cancer drug in Kenyan market

The Ministry of Health, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), has identified a falsified batch of Avastin ( Bevacizumab 100 mg) injection that is currently circulating in the Kenyan market.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Board noted that the falsified injection Batch Number H0573B01 is falsely purported to be manufactured by Roche, a company globally known for being the leading provider of in-vitro diagnostics and a global supplier of transformative innovative solutions across major disease areas.

“The board hereby instructs all procurement agencies, distributors, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologies, healthcare workers and the public to stay alert and promptly report any cases involving the falsified batch of Avastin,” said Dr. A. Mohamed, the Chief Executive Officer at the Ministry of Health.

Avastin (Bevacizumab 100 mg Injection) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of various types of cancer.

The government further urged all stakeholders in the supply chain to source Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) exclusively from licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers, warning of the dangers of obtaining products from unlicensed sources.

“The Board in collaboration with the government Investigative Agencies, will institute legal and regulatory actions against any individual or entity involved in the circulation of this falsified batch in violation of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act (CAP 244),” Dr. Mohamed further said.

Meanwhile, members of the public and healthcare providers have been urged to promptly report any suspected substandard and falsified medical products.