[Internet pharmacies and counterfeit drugs].

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health
• Regulatory Affairs

Background:

• The internet has become a primary distribution channel for counterfeit drugs, posing a serious risk to patient safety.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that a substantial proportion of medicines purchased online are substandard or falsified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the global challenge posed by counterfeit medicines distributed via the internet.
• To emphasize the critical need for international cooperation in combating pharmaceutical counterfeiting.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of global drug distribution networks.
• Review of World Health Organization (WHO) data on counterfeit medicines.
• Assessment of current strategies for combating counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

Main Results:

• The internet is the predominant route for the distribution of counterfeit medicines.
• One in ten medicines ordered online is estimated to be counterfeit, according to WHO data.
• Existing efforts to combat counterfeit drugs are insufficient.

Conclusions:

• Combating counterfeit medicines requires a multifaceted and coordinated international approach.
• Collaboration among manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies, and regulatory agencies is essential.
• Enhanced global strategies are needed to ensure the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.