Nigeria’s drug regulator has raised fresh concern over the circulation of a counterfeit cancer medication, warning patients and healthcare providers to remain vigilant.
Following Roche Nigeria’s reports, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control validated that a falsified batch of Mabthera 500mg is now in distribution. Following complaints from medical professionals, the damaged batch—N2110A09—was traced to Gombe and Kaduna states.
Widely employed to cure blood malignancies and certain autoimmune disorders is MabThera, a rituximab-based injection. Studies, however, showed that the suspect goods were offered at exceptionally low prices, prompting further investigation.
Among the flaws regulators found in the fake version were incorrect language on the packaging, faulty batch information, and obvious differences in the vial design and sealing. These anomalies proved that the goods did not come from the approved supplier.
With authorities trying to catch up with illicit distribution channels taking advantage of strong demand for vital medications, The News Chronicle gathered that the proliferation of fake medications is still a rising problem in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Authorities have now ordered increased surveillance across the country to eradicate the phony items from trade.
NAFDAC has urged importers, distributors, and healthcare providers to source medicines only through verified channels and ensure proper authentication before use. The agency also reiterated that similar alerts have been issued in recent months for other falsified medicines, underscoring the need for greater caution throughout the supply chain.
