WHO Alert: DRAP Bans Counterfeit Batches of Cancer Drug Darzalex

Islamabad: Following an alert by the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring two batches of the cancer-treatment injection Darzalex counterfeit, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued an emergency alert across the country.

DRAP has imposed an immediate ban on the sale and use of the two affected batches. To guide citizens and pharmacy owners, the batch numbers identified as counterfeit have been uploaded to DRAP’s official website.

Federal and Provincial Authorities Directed to Closely Monitor Supply Chain

According to DRAP, the counterfeit batches are not currently part of the registered supply available in Pakistan’s market. However, as a precautionary measure, federal and provincial drug-control authorities have been instructed to closely monitor the supply chain.

The authority has also specifically advised the public not to bring the affected batches into Pakistan while travelling from abroad.

“Only two specific batches have been declared counterfeit. There is no restriction on the use of other authentic batches of Darzalex injection available in the market.”

— DRAP Spokesperson

Important Instructions for Hospitals, Pharmacies and Distributors

Immediate identification: All hospitals, pharmacies and wholesalers must immediately inspect their stock and isolate any suspected batches.

Reporting suspected products: Any suspected sale or availability of the affected injections should be reported immediately to the relevant drug inspector or DRAP authorities.

Task assigned to provincial authorities: Provincial drug-testing laboratories and field enforcement teams have been directed to increase surprise inspections of the market.