NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health has raised alarm over a falsified batch of Avastin, a cancer treatment drug, that has been found circulating in the Kenyan market.
In a statement on Thursday, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) said the counterfeit batch — identified as Avastin (Bevacizumab 100 mg Injection), Batch Number H0573B01 — is falsely labelled as being manufactured by Roche, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant known for its cancer and diagnostic innovations.
“The Board hereby instructs all procurement agencies, distributors, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, healthcare workers and the public to stay alert and promptly report any cases involving the falsified batch of Avastin,” said Dr. A. Mohamed, the PPB Chief Executive Officer.
Avastin (Bevacizumab) is a prescription-only medication used in the treatment of several cancers, including colorectal, lung, and kidney cancers.
The falsified version poses serious health risks to patients who may unknowingly receive ineffective or harmful medication.
The health regulator has warned hospitals, pharmacies, and procurement entities to verify the authenticity of their stock and ensure they only source medicines from licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers.
“The Board, in collaboration with 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 said.
The public and healthcare professionals have been urged to report any suspected counterfeit or substandard medical products to the PPB for investigation.
