Big Pharma allied with Interpol in a maxi-operation to counter the trafficking of false medicines. Twenty-nine companies will provide a 4.5 million euro 'treasure' over the next three years to try to put a stop to a global phenomenon, which exposes consumers' health to serious risks and costs companies in the sector millions.
"A worldwide effort is needed to combat this threat," Interpol said, adding that the lives of millions of people are put at risk every day by fake pills and vials. "Counterfeit medicines can mean the difference between life and death for a patient," explained Christopher Viehbacher, chief executive of Sanofi, illustrating the agreement on the BBC online.
"The 10% of medicines are estimated to be counterfeit and this figure can go as high as 50%, particularly in some poor countries." The money will be used to create a new program to improve Interpol's fight against the fake industry. And some will be used to raise awareness of the dangers of counterfeit medicines, especially those sold online. Once again in 2012, inhibitors of the acid pump are in first place, showing a significant increase in consumption compared to 2011 (+7.1%).
The World Health Organization estimates that in more than 50% of cases, medicines purchased on the Internet turn out to be 'fake'. The head of Interpol's Pharmaceutical Crime Program, Aline Plancon, explained that the funds will be used to support countries in their investigations and allow investigations to continue.
Margherita Lopes – March 15, 2013 – PharmaKronos
