Spurious Drugs: FAKE it till you make it? Hell, NO!

In this edition, let’s depart from the usual approach to the (W)Rap.

Instead, let’s take a deep dive into an issue that has everyone in a flap!

Many attempts to solve or resolve it have been suspiciously viewed

It’s an old, but persistent problem, its implications often misconstrued.

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There was a flurry of news last month about medicines that were deemed ‘spurious’.

The choice of that word and its different meanings made many people curious!

Most people prefer to say ‘fake’ or ‘counterfeit’, words that are more colloquial.

Whatever you call it, this much is true: the problem is widespread and global.

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Delving into the complexities will require wading through several layers.

Along the way, there will be advocates for harsh action, but also naysayers!

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Given the Size and Scale, Can We Afford to Fail?

The headlines of newspaper stories can sound shockingly dramatic.

It wakes us up with a shock; most of us have been rather phlegmatic.

Truth be told, this problem has been around for a long, long time.

The next generation may consider our ignorance is almost a crime!

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Consider this: the world consumes more than 3.2 trillion doses a year.        

That’s at least 1 medicine every day: everyone, everywhere, not just here!        

In India, it’s estimated that at least a quarter of them are spurious or fake.        

Every 4 days, every one of us, is putting our health, and family’s lives, at stake!        

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Here’s the thing: this is not something we are discovering just now.

We just happen to think that it’s not really our problem, somehow.

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What It’s Like Here, There And Everywhere…

Funneling down from the global to the local, there is a fair degree of variety.

Actions that authorities and companies take also reflect their level of anxiety.

In the EU, spurious drugs continue to be discovered through targeted operations.

Their success is also made possible because of cross-country conversations.

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Even in the US, fake drugs have breached the legitimate pharmacy supply chain.        

The proportion at 1 percent may seem small; the actual numbers boggle the brain.        

Consider that in 2022, 6.7 billion prescriptions were issued to patients in that nation.        

This means that 67 million people got fake medicine or one-fifth of the population!        

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No drug is spared counterfeiting, not even the current popular favourite.

Even Bollywood celebrities may not be getting the real thing, or to savour it.

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Are You Curious about What’s Spurious?

The legal definition of ‘spurious’ in pharmaceuticals is quite extensive and broad.

We use that term, fake and counterfeit interchangeably; is our reasoning flawed?

Court decisions have included additional dimensions, complicating things for most.

The guidelines and rules are delineated, but it appears enforcement remains a ghost.

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Not Standard Quality, spurious, fake, and counterfeit are layers of nuance and degree.

For patients and the public at large, some easily understood guidance will be the key.

Will pharmaceutical companies own responsibility? The answer isn’t quite clear.

They see themselves as the victim, because of regulatory action they have to fear.

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Here’s another take where spurious and lack of access cross paths and swords.

Where would the authorities choose to put this: on criminal or fraudulent boards?

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Being Sherlock Holmes, with Some Fine Toothcombs…

In a country as large and populous as ours, complex regulatory structures are the norm.

But when things begin to fall between some wide cracks, it’s time for structural reform!

Central and state-level regulators can identify gaps and build some accessible bridges.

Clearly identifying criminal activity and enforcing rules can smoothen the rough edges.

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Medicine manufacturers can play a key part too, by investing in a technology solution.

Companies can educate and protect the public and demonstrate corporate resolution.

Pharmacies are less tightly regulated, so some action may be necessary on that front.

It will take some trial and error, and a mix of instruments: some surgical, others blunt!

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Focusing on most counterfeited or spurious therapies can be a good place to start.

Addressing and reducing their impact by all stakeholders will be both science and art.

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End Note:

This has also been a departure from the usual when the (W)Rap drops.

But in battling spurious and counterfeit medicines, we have to pull out all the stops!

True, this is not exactly pleasant, but a topic to ruin your nice weekend mood.

But like medicine that is bitter but makes you better, it’s okay if you feel subdued.

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But if ‘patient centricity’ has to mean anything seriously real for you,

Then it’s worthwhile to spend one evening reflecting on it, even two.

Don’t think of it in terms of the amount of time that you spent.

Think of the possible lives that can be saved, both future and present.

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In all conscience, I cannot pretend that this will be a pleasant read.

It won’t be. But till I see you again, in all that you will do - Godspeed!