Pfizer, Roche pharmaceuticals ‘being counterfeited’

Counterfeit versions of commonly-used pharmaceuticals from large pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Roche, are entering the UK pharmaceutical supply chain, it has been reported.

Pfizer’s orally administered impotence treatment, Viagra, is reported to be the prescription drug most widely sold over the internet, while its cholesterol medication Lipitor, the highest selling drug worldwide, is also reported to be counterfeited heavily, the Independent reports.

Similarly, Roche’s Valium and Cialis and Prozac from Eli Lilly are also reported to be targeted by counterfeiters.

Naeem Ahmed, head of intelligence at the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), told the Independent that the group had “clear evidence” of the counterfeiting of pharmaceuticals.

“If you trade over the internet the risk of detection is low but you only sell a pack here and a pack there” he said.

“If you penetrate the supply chain there is a higher risk but you can make a lot of money,” he added.

Mr Ahmed reported that the cost of pharmaceuticals often reflects the expenses incurred in research and development, while the active ingredients of the drugs can be bought by counterfeiters at a cheap price.

In October, Pfizer reported that the European Patent Office had issued an opinion backing the company’s patent regarding calcium salt that covered Lipitor, following a case filed by the company against Ranbaxy, a generics manufacturer.