THE Ministry of Health is warning the public of three falsified batches of IMFINZI (durvalumab) injection 500mg/10ml.

Manufactured by AstraZeneca, IMFINZI is used to treat Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in adults as an injectable monotherapy.

In a release sent on Thursday the Ministry through its Chemistry Food and Drug Division, advised of the World Health Organization (WHO) Medical Product Alert of three batches of falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injection 500mg/10ml.

The batches as identified by WHO are:

Lot BAZR – This is a genuine lot number for distribution only in India. The falsified product shows discrepancies in the packaging artwork and text placement, with some text missing.

Lot BBEG – This is a genuine lot number for distribution only in Egypt. The falsified product shows discrepancies in the packaging artwork and text placement, with some text missing. The product price (in Egyptian Pounds) is also missing.

 Lot AVZT – This lot number is not recognised by the genuine manufacturer. Any IMFINZI product with this lot number is considered falsified”.

The Ministry stated WHO had advised that these falsified batches had been detected in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye.

AstraZeneca had confirmed these batches as falsified.

The alert warned that these falsified products were considered unsafe and their use could be life-threatening.

The Ministry urged persons who may be in possession of the drug bearing lot numbers as above to discontinue use immediately and to return to the place of purchase where possible.

They stated additional information could be obtained by contacting the Office of the Chemistry Food and Drug Division at (868) 217-4664 Ext. 13121.