The IOM report on counterfeit and substandard drugs
Prashant Yadav, PhD, Director, Health Care Research Initiative, University of Michigan, discusses the IOM report he helped author that investigated the extent of the problem of counterfeit and substandard drugs. The FDA commissioned the report in the wake of high profile problems, such as counterfeit Avastin and the meningitis outbreak caused by substandard drugs.
Since 80% of the active ingredients of medicinal drugs consumed by Americans come from Chine, India, and other countries, the supply chain is complex. He explains that no adequate tracking system exists for all of the components of the drug, from start to completion to the store shelves. In fact, the tracking of FedEx or UPS packages is far more sophisticated than the tracking of drugs.
FDA, Inst of Medicine, Policy, Univ Michigan | apples49 | 
April 26, 2013 8:20 pm
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By Coco, July 14, 2013 @ 8:01 pm
What about countries that want to implement laws for the cheapest drugs to be distributed to the public, allowing for substandard drugs to enter the supply??? Who can the opposition movements turn to for support in combating these efforts in order to protect the public from the harmful effects of substandard drugs??? Countries like Panama intend on relaxing these laws in order to purchase cheaper drugs. How can developing countries have access to affordable medications for the public, while still ensuring that quality is met??? Should international institutions pressure countries like Panama to have laws that protect the people first as opposed to focusing solely on cost. This is an issue that is currently being debated in Panama.