European Parliament approves new law on counterfeit/fake drugs

As had been widely expected, the European Parliament yesterday voted for a new law – the Falsified Medicines Directive - to prevent fake medicines from entering the legal supply chain. Internet sales will be covered by the law, which also introduces new safety and traceability measures, as well as sanctions against counterfeiters. This law still needs to be formally approved by the Council of Ministers. The vote follows months of intensive negotiations between the Parliament and member states.

"Falsified medicines are silent killers, either because they are devoid of effect or because they contain toxic substances that m (MEP) Marisa Matias, who led discussions in Parliament. Her report was adopted with 569 votes in favor, 12 against and seven abstentions.

An estimated 1% of medicinal products currently sold to the European public through the legal supply chain are falsified and the share is growing. In other parts of the world, up to 30% of the medicines on sale may be fake. In particular, more and more innovative and life-saving drugs are counterfeit, it was noted.