WHO warns of fake Darzalex found with unauthorized suppliers and hospitals, urges immediate vigilance

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a medical alert after dangerous, falsified Darzalex injections were found in Maldives and Mexico.

WHO headquarters in Geneva issued the warning on Friday following the discovery of fake batches of Darzalex (daratumumab), a cancer drug used to treat multiple myeloma and other blood-related malignancies.

According to WHO, the cases were reported by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) and Mexican authorities in May and June last year.

The falsified products were found in the hands of unauthorized suppliers, and in some hospitals.

How to identify the fake medicine:  

Janssen, the original manufacturer of Darzalex, has confirmed that the following batch numbers were not produced by the company:  

• MYS7381  

• STV1K01

MFDA noted that vials from batch STV1K01 found in Maldives contained visible contamination.

The dangers involved  

WHO warns that the falsified drug poses a direct threat to patients’ lives. The quality, purity, and contents of the fake product are unknown, meaning it may contain no active ingredient or harmful substances.

This can lead to infection, worsening of the disease, treatment failure, and even death, WHO cautioned.

WHO has urged health workers and the public to remain vigilant. Anyone in possession of these batch numbers should not use them, and those who have already used the product should seek medical attention immediately. WHO also advises the public not to buy medicines from unauthorized sellers and to report any suspicious products to MFDA or WHO at [email protected].