WHO identifies falsified DESREM remdesivir injection

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified two falsified batches of DESREM remdesivir for injection 100mg/vial. The falsified batches have been identified in Guatemala and India, and were reported to WHO in February 2022.

The genuine manufacturer of DESREM, Mylan Laboratories, has confirmed that the products identified are falsified, WHO informed in a statement.

Laboratory analysis of these falsified products, conducted by the genuine manufacturer, established that they do not contain any of the stated Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) (remdesivir). The vials of these falsified products may be smaller than genuine DESREM and the labels have multiple spelling errors and use the wrong font styles and colours. Although the identified batch numbers are genuine, the expiry dates listed below are falsified.

The products identified are falsified on the basis that they deliberately/fraudulently misrepresent their identity, composition and source.