Maha FDA Files 3 More FIRs Against Dealers For Trading Immunoglobulin Injections In Open Market

Mumbai, 5 Jan 2019: In its ongoing crackdown on unscrupulous drug dealers for trading immunoglobulin injections in the open market, the Maharshtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has filed FIRs against 3 more persons for violation of sections 420, 463, 464 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 18, 17 read with rule 95 and 104 A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (D&C Act) at Navghar Police Station, Bhayander, Thane.

In a racket of trading immunoglobulin injections at prices as high as Rs. 20,000 per vial against the MRP of Rs. 14,697, Maharashtra FDA had earlier filed FIRs against 11 accused in the case.

Informed Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Dr Pallavi Darade, “The case is significant because Immunoglobulin injections were manufactured by Navi Mumbai-based Reliance Life Sciences (RLS) for intravenous administration IP 5% and supplied in Rajasthan government hospitals. The same stock was detected at Bhayander and other pockets of Mumbai for open sale. An FIR has also been launched at RAK Marg Police Station, Mumbai against Sasmita Healthcare, Parel.”

FDA officials from Thane branch were hinted about the buying and selling of the intravenous injection with tampered labels. It was found that intravenous injections were being used at hospitals and then sold to agents in the open market. Patients were even forced to buy the same medicines from private agents at market rates or exorbitant prices.

Immunoglobulins are proteins that play an important role in body’s immune system and is also used for auto-immune diseases and cancers. The drug is prepared from human plasma in which natural antibodies are extracted from pooled plasma through a combination of traditional and contemporary methods.

Mumbai based distributors listed in FIR include Chembur-based Shri Siddhivinayak Agency, Mediaxa Pharma of Dadar, Perfect Healthcare of Parel, Aniket Pharmaceuticals of Fort, Pacific Healthaxis of Dadar, Mediwell Health of Parel and Mapchem Pvt Ltd, Santacruz.

Investigations of the state FDA also reveal that trading was also done through a network spanning Gwalior, Indore, Mumbai and Kolkata based on a complaint from RLS. Last year, RLS company officials came to know that unauthorised people were selling the drug under the brand name Immunorel in a clandestine manner. Pharmabiz