Testing of counterfeit vials of Avastin revealed that the product didn't contain the active ingredients in Roche Holding AG's intravenous drug, according to the Swiss company's Genentech unit.
It isn't clear how much of the counterfeit product was distributed in the US and whether it has caused any harm. A Genentech spokeswoman said the company doesn't know if any patients were given the fake product.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating, but an FDA spokeswoman said it hasn't received any reports from patients complaining of side effects that appear linked to counterfeit Avastin.
Roche still is testing the vials of counterfeit Avastin to see what ingredients they contain, but the Genentech spokeswoman said, "It's not Avastin. It's not safe and effective, and it shouldn't be used."
Genentech said it is asking health care providers to report any suspected counterfeits to the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations.
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