NAFDAC raises alarm over counterfeit Avastin 400mg in Nigeria

Business, Health

LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 12, 2026 — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert regarding confirmed counterfeit versions of Avastin 400mg circulating in Nigeria.

Avastin (bevacizumab), an anti-angiogenic therapy that starves tumours of blood supply, is commonly prescribed for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma in adults.

In Public Alert No. 012/2026, NAFDAC reported that Roche, the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH), received a complaint from an oncologist at a local hospital about suspicious Avastin vials (400 mg/16 ml) with batch numbers K1830T71 and H0375B01.

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According to Roche, the complaint sample was compared with a genuine retained sample in the EFA (English, French, and Arabic) packaging presentation. The GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) on the folding box matched the EFA presentation, but several discrepancies were identified:

1. The batch numbers do not exist in Roche’s database, making lot tracing impossible.
2. The packaging artwork contained incorrect text and spelling errors.
3. Variable data was inaccurate and inconsistently placed.
4. Tamper-evidence labels did not match genuine Roche materials.
5. The serial number on the complaint sample did not correspond to any authentic Roche serial number.

NAFDAC emphasized that these findings confirm the presence of counterfeit packaging. The agency reiterated that Avastin (bevacizumab) is indicated for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma in adults and warned healthcare providers to remain vigilant.

The alert concluded with a public advisory to healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322, or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.