DRAP authorities raid pharma distributors, recover banned Avastin injections

LAHORE: Authorities from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) conducted a raid on the premises of medical distributors Roche Pharma Distributors AG & Company, leading to the recovery of a batch of banned Avastin injections.

A total of 110 vials of Avastin injection were retrieved from the distributor’s office. These vials have been promptly dispatched to a Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL).

Following the operation, DRAP has issued a directive prohibiting the distributor from further selling Avastin injections.

Sources have indicated that the DTL in Lahore will thoroughly examine the quality and safety of the recovered Avastin injections.

In a related development, it has been revealed that Jenus Advanced Pharma was involved in the unauthorized sale of injections from the same batch.

Mohsin Naqvi announces free treatment for people affected by substandard eye injections

Meanwhile the Punjab government has established a committee to investigate reports of vision problems in numerous patients allegedly stemming from locally manufactured injections.

Approximately 40 diabetes patients in Lahore suffered eye complications believed to be linked to substandard injections.

The committee, tasked with investigating the matter, is expected to submit its report within three days. Dr. Asad Aslam Khan from King Edward Medical University serves as the committee’s convener, with other members including Muhammad Sohail, Director General of Drugs Control; Dr. Muhammad Moin from Mayo Hospital; Dr. Tayyaba from Lahore General Hospital; and Prof. Dr. Mohsin from Services Hospital.

Reports indicate that diabetic patients in Lahore, Kasur, and Jhang districts received Avastin injections as treatment for retinal damage.

Caretaker Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan, speaking in Islamabad, confirmed the recall of a locally manufactured injection from the market, and legal action has been initiated against the suppliers. Dr. Jan emphasized that the five-member committee will comprehensively assess the situation from all angles and provide a report within three days.