For the first quarter of 2020, COVID19 (aka Coronavirus) has been a substantial part of the news and has all but consumed our lives, suffice to say at this point the only thing everyone wants is a cure for this pandemic. This desire has definitely not fallen on deaf ears and counterfeiters have jumped at the opportunity to cash in at the most opportune moment.

Recent news publications brought to the attention the possible benefit of Chloroquine for COVID19 sufferers, used specifically in antimalarial drugs.

In light of this, Africans are reportedly rushing to get hold of chloroquine and a related drug hydroxychloroquine, even though research is still being conducted as to whether this medication can actually reduce virus levels in COVID-19 infections.

In Cameroon, fake chloroquine has recently been seized from at least 300 pharmacies and hospitals, with the falsified chloroquine phosphate, consisting of 250mg tablets manufactured with no Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in packs of 1000 tablets. A "cure" is barely released and counterfeiters have already breached the market ensuring that they are first in line to aid nervous and fearful individuals.

According to recent studies, the most counterfeited drugs, as stated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), are antibacterial and antimalarial medicines, with the main manufacturers thought to be in China and India . Counterfeit Drugs are especially prevalent in developing countries lacking effective drug regulatory agencies as well as the necessary resources to effectively evaluate or enforce drug quality regulations.

Very often the following issues are faced with counterfeit medicines:

  • Drugs with too little, too much, or absolutely no active ingredient, due to intentional fraud or poor manufacturing and quality control practice.
  • A tablet's inability to release the drug, due to poor formulation techniques.
  • Chemical breakdown of drugs caused by storage conditions, especially in warm, humid climates.
  • Contamination with other substances due to poor manufacturing procedures.
  • Incomplete, inaccurate or misleading packaging and labelling.

The global counterfeit drugs industry is estimated to be worth up to $200 billion and growing. WHO says that exact figures may never be fully known due to the complexity of the distribution networks and the illegal nature of the trade and it is estimated that approximately 100,000 people across the continent die every year from taking counterfeit or sub-standard medication consisting mainly of erectile dysfunction pills, anti-cancer medication, hypnotic and sedative agents, anabolic steroids, analgesics/painkillers, nervous system agents, dermatological agents and vitamins.

With the ongoing increase of counterfeit pharmaceuticals putting countless people at risk of further illness or even death, it would be prudent to look into an effective Anti-Counterfeiting strategy which offers protection of your brand and ensures that these illicit goods are successfully removed from the market.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.