Analysis of counterfeit and substandard anti-malarial drugs

Counterfeit drugs have been deliberately manipulated to resemble a specific (normally branded) product on the market and may contain either (a) a sub- therapeutic amount of active pharmaceutical ingredient, (b) no active ingredient at all or (c) an inappropriate active ingredient.

On the other hand, substandard drugs do not meet internationally accepted standards with respect to identity, strength, purity and quality. This represents a serious situation with respect to the anti-malarial drug market and many millions of people are likely to receive an inappropriate treatment unless these practices are curtailed.

We are pleased to be able to offer an assay service for counterfeit and sub standard pharmaceutical materials, particularly the components of the Artemisinin based Combination Therapies (ACTs).

For an analysis of the situation, please see the excellent review by Dana Dalrymple (pages 30-32) click here