Meeting of the Minds
It's an interesting phenomenon. We have general agreement that fake medicines put people in harms way - but an increasing number of these drugs are entering the world's markets. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that up to 10 percent of all medicines are counterfeits, rising to 25 percent in some countries.
Collaborative efforts took place early last week when international business leaders met with the United States Trade Representative, World Customs Organization and World Intellectual Property Organization, urging them to swiftly complete the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). This global agreement would be the first of its kind for battling counterfeit drugs.
And as the New York Sun article points out, ACTA takes special aim at “combating what has become the most lucrative type of piracy around the world: fake prescription drugs.” This follows a recent report that intellectual property crimes almost doubled in 2007 compared to 2005, according to Department of Commerce officials.
The Sun’s article highlights how the widespread the problem of counterfeit drugs really is. For example, as of last December, authorities have discovered counterfeit versions of Pfizer drugs in at least 75 countries. And even more disturbing, seven of those counterfeits drug have turned up in legitimate supply chains in at least 25 countries.
This information shows that we need stronger enforcement measures and international cooperation if we are to ever combat the serious dangers these "products" pose to consumer safety. As global leaders work on enacting the ACTA, we need to remember that we are last barrier to harm -- so remember to protect yourself and your family.
As a first step, consumers can sign up for the SAFEMEDS EMAIL ALERT SYSTEM, which broadcasts FDA Counterfeit Alert Network notices as soon as they come out.