IFPMA launches 'Ten Principles on Counterfeit Medicines'

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) yesterday launched its Ten Principles on Counterfeit Medicines, to re-focus attention on this issue and underline the R&D-based pharmaceutical industry's stance in the global fight against counterfeit medicines.

Haruo Naito, president of the IFPMA, and president and chief executive of Japanese drug major Eisai, commented: 'Counterfeit medicines are a crime, and our industry is serious about tackling this problem head on. These criminals pose a threat to global public health: deliberately and deceitfully they attempt to pass off their dangerous products as legitimate medicines, and risk patients' lives in order to make illegal profits. This is not about commercial interest; this is about protecting patients, and we stand ready to be an active partner in WHO-led efforts, including IMPACT.' IMPACT is the International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce, which is hosted by the World Health Organization.

Data gathered by the industry's Pharmaceutical Security Institute (PSI) shows that the scope of the problem and the number of incidents is on the rise. Speaking in support of the IFPMA Principles, Thomas Kubic, CEO of PSI, said: 'Based on our research, the number of counterfeit medicine incidents worldwide rose almost 7% last year, to 1,693. Of particular concern has been the growth in counterfeit anti-infectives. In 2009, incidents involving counterfeit anti-infectives increased by almost 50% over the previous year. Anti-infectives, which include anti-malarials, are the therapeutic category most affected by counterfeiting incidents in Africa. Moreover, criminal gangs engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit medicines are now copying other life-saving treatments including cancer therapies and heart disease medicines.'