Govt sounds alarm over falsified cancer drug in circulation
By Faith Lagat, October 9, 2025The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a public alert over a falsified batch of Avastin (Bevacizumab 100mg) Injection which is currently circulating in the Kenyan market.
The alert comes amid growing concern over the safety of health products in the country.
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In line with this mandate, the board has identified the falsified batch and initiated measures to address the issue. The notice instructs procurement agencies, distributors, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, healthcare workers, and the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any cases involving the falsified batch of Avastin.
“In line with its mandate, the Board has identified a falsified batch of Avastin (Bevacizumab 100 mg) Injection, Batch Number H0573B01 currently circulating in the Kenyan market,” read the PPB notice on X dated October 9, 2025.
Falsified batch detected
The PPB, established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244, Laws of Kenya, is mandated to protect and promote public health by regulating the pharmacy profession and ensuring access to safe, quality, and efficacious health products and technologies.
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The board emphasized that all stakeholders in the supply chain must source health products and technologies exclusively from licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers. It warned that obtaining products from unlicensed sources endangers patient safety and will attract strict regulatory and legal consequences.
“The board hereby instructs all procurement agencies, distributors, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, healthcare workers and the public to stay alert and promptly report any cases involving the falsified batch of Avastin,” it said.
“All stakeholders in the supply chain are advised to source HPTs exclusively from licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers. Obtaining products from unlicensed sources endangers patient safety and will result in strict regulatory and legal consequences.”
Regulatory action underway
The PPB announced that, in collaboration with government investigative agencies, it will institute legal and regulatory actions against any individual or entity found violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Act (Cap 244) by distributing the counterfeit batch.
“The Board, in collaboration with Government Investigative Agencies, will institute legal and regulatory actions against any individual or entity involved in the circulation of this falsified batch in violation of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act (CAP 244).”
The public and healthcare providers have been urged to play a critical role in reporting any suspected substandard or falsified medical products through designated channels.
Call for vigilance
The PPB has urged the public to exercise caution, verify the authenticity of medical products before use, and report any suspicious cases promptly to protect patients from the risks posed by falsified medicines.
“Members of the public and healthcare providers are encouraged to promptly report any suspected substandard and falsified medical products.”