The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued an urgent and explicit public warning regarding the circulation of a falsified batch of Avastin (Bevacizumab), a vital cancer treatment, posing a direct and severe threat to patient lives across the Kenyan market.
The specific counterfeit batch has been identified by the number H0573B01. The fraudulent packaging deceitfully claims the drug was manufactured by the renowned global pharmaceutical company, Roche.
PPB Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. A. Mohamed stressed the life-or-death nature of the compromise.
“Avastin, scientifically known as Bevacizumab, is a life-saving medicine used to treat several cancers, including colorectal, lung, and kidney cancers,” Dr. Mohamed stated. “It functions by crippling the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors. Any compromise in its quality or authenticity can have severe, even fatal, consequences for patients whose lives depend on its efficacy.”
The PPB has initiated a rapid response, calling for maximum vigilance across the entire pharmaceutical ecosystem. This includes a direct and firm instruction to all stakeholders procurement agencies, distributors, pharmacists, technologists, and healthcare workers to be on high alert.
PPB urges members of the public to make sure that all Health Products and Technologies are sourced exclusively from licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers.
The PPB is treating the circulation of this fake drug as a criminal matter.
“Sourcing medical products from unverified or unlicensed channels is not only a danger to patients but a direct violation of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act.”
The PPB warns it will collaborate with government investigative agencies to take the strictest regulatory and legal action against anyone involved in the illegal trade of these falsified medical products.
Dr. Mohamed implored healthcare professionals and the public to become active partners in safeguarding public health by immediately reporting any suspected cases of falsified or substandard medicines.
The board urges members of the public to report via the ppb’s official channels, USSD Code: *271#, Mobile App: mPvERS (Android & iOS), Online Portal Email: pv@ppb.go.ke or pms@ppb.go.ke, Phone: 0795743049
This warning underscores the critical and ongoing global battle against the circulation of counterfeit medical products, which endanger lives, fuel organized crime, and erode essential public confidence in national healthcare systems. The PPB remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring all medicines available in Kenya meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.
