Nigeria’s drug regulatory authority has sounded a fresh warning over the infiltration of counterfeit cancer medicines, cautioning that falsified versions of critical oncology drugs are now in circulation.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) disclosed that fake batches of Avastin and Tecentriq have been detected, posing serious risks to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Avastin, medically known as bevacizumab, is commonly prescribed for aggressive brain tumours, while Tecentriq (atezolizumab) is used in managing several advanced cancers, including lung, liver, and skin cancers. Both medicines are considered vital in modern oncology care.
However, concerns escalated after Roche Nigeria flagged multiple complaints from healthcare providers who suspected irregularities in the medicines supplied to patients.
According to NAFDAC, preliminary findings indicate that the counterfeit products were often sold at unusually reduced prices, raising red flags among clinicians.
“The pricing pattern alone suggested that something was wrong within the supply chain,” the agency said.
Further scrutiny revealed multiple inconsistencies in the suspected products. Officials noted that batch numbers failed to match authentic records, while packaging features such as print quality, label positioning, and security markings deviated from standard specifications.
“The discrepancies were not minor,” NAFDAC explained. “From tamper-evident seals to serialisation codes, the differences clearly point to deliberate falsification.”
The agency identified several affected batches, including Avastin labelled with H4239A70, H2290A34, and A3508B02, as well as Tecentriq carrying batch number B3071A12.
Despite the alarming discovery, laboratory testing has not yet been conducted due to the absence of physical samples.
Investigators relied on photographic evidence submitted by healthcare professionals during the review process.
Medical experts warn that counterfeit cancer drugs could have devastating consequences. Without the correct active ingredients, or with harmful contaminants, patients may experience treatment failure or worsening disease conditions.
“A patient relying on these medicines could unknowingly be receiving ineffective or dangerous substances,” the agency noted, adding that the implications could include severe complications or even fatalities.
In response, NAFDAC said it has directed its field offices nationwide to intensify market surveillance and remove suspected counterfeit products from circulation.
Moreover, the regulator urged stakeholders across the pharmaceutical supply chain to exercise heightened vigilance.
Importers, distributors, hospitals, and patients have been advised to verify sources and procure medicines strictly from authorised channels.
NAFDAC also encouraged prompt reporting of any suspicious drugs, stressing that public cooperation remains critical in curbing the spread of falsified medical products in Nigeria.