The Partnership for Safe Medicines and ADAP Advocacy Association have raised serious concerns over the alleged distribution of counterfeit HIV medication by City Plus Care Pharmacy Inc., operating as Heal The World Pharmacy, in Queens, New York. The complaint, backed by evidence from a civil lawsuit, accuses the pharmacy of selling fake bottles of Biktarvy, a critical HIV treatment. The counterfeit products featured professional-grade packaging, suggesting the possibility of widespread distribution and a grave public health threat.
Shabbir Safdar, Executive Director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "If these allegations are substantiated, this is not just a one-off mistake – it's a breakdown in the drug supply chain that puts many lives at risk." The incident underscores the importance of adherence to the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, designed to prevent such breaches.
Counterfeit HIV medications not only fail to suppress the virus but can also lead to viral resistance and the progression of the disease, reversing decades of advancements in HIV treatment and prevention. Brandon M. Macsata, CEO of ADAP Advocacy Association, highlighted the dire consequences for patients, noting, "For people living with HIV, the difference between authentic and counterfeit medicine is the difference between viral suppression and life-threatening complications."
The complaint calls for immediate regulatory action, including inspections of the pharmacy's facilities, verification of its pharmaceutical suppliers, and a review of its purchasing records. It also requests the New York State Board of Pharmacy to investigate potential violations of federal and state laws regarding drug safety and traceability. Advocates are urging for any findings of wrongdoing to be referred to the New York Attorney General's Office and the FDA's offices of Drug Security and Criminal Investigations.
This alarming situation serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance in the pharmaceutical supply chain to protect patients from counterfeit medications. For more information on the dangers of counterfeit drugs, visit https://www.safemedicines.org.
