In its Annual Report released in March, the INCB warns of counterfeit medicines flooding markets. The topic is the theme of the first chapter 1 of the report and is of high priority for the Control Board. The World Health Organisation WHO estimates that 25 – 50 % of medicines consumed in developing countries are believed to be counterfeit. Unknowing clients have experienced serious health or even lethal consequences. For example, in Niger, the use of counterfeit vaccines in 1995 resulted in 2500 deaths.

Dr Philip O. Emafo, President of the INCB says that "the problem of counterfeit medication and abuse of pharmaceuticals containing controlled substances bought without prescriptions has been in existence for some time. However, the rapid expansion of unregulated markets has dramatically worsened the situation".

The UN International Narcotics Control Board has called member states to enforce existing legislation, to impede this menace, and also take appropriate measures to increase the availability of medicinal drugs through legitimate channels, particularly in areas where there is lack of access.

Source: United Nations Information Service, INCB Annual Report, Press Release No.2 and Report of the International Narcotics Control Board for 2006.
  

• Good Distribution Practice and Cold Chain Management
  in Vienna, Austria from 19 – 20 June 2007

Also specialists from the pharmaceutical industry and service providers will share their expert knowledge about all relevant aspects regarding the current expectations and the actual development in Good Distribution Practice, Cold Chain Management and Anti-Counterfeiting Strategies.

 
Author:
Wolfgang Schmitt
On behalf of the European Compliance Academy (ECA)