The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control issued a public alert regarding counterfeit cancer medicines circulating in Nigeria. As reported by ALO360, the agency confirmed that fake batches of Avastin and Tecentriq had infiltrated the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
The Alert
NAFDAC published Public Alert No. 015/2026 on March 12, 2026. The agency stated: “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is notifying healthcare professionals and the public of confirmed counterfeit batches of Avastin 400mg/16ml (Bevacizumab) and Tecentriq 1200mg/20ml (Atezolizumab) circulating in Nigeria.” This alert followed official communications from Roche Nigeria, the Marketing Authorization Holder, which reported several cases of counterfeit products in the country.
The Investigation
Roche Nigeria received complaints from healthcare professionals across the country. Subsequently, patients presented suspected counterfeit products at healthcare facilities. The counterfeit items were reportedly sold at significantly lower prices, ranging from NGN 180,000 to NGN 350,000. Roche Nigeria investigated the complaints by comparing the suspected samples to genuine retained samples. The investigation provided clear evidence of counterfeit packaging material.
Identified Products
NAFDAC identified specific batch numbers of the counterfeit medicines. The counterfeit Avastin batches included H4239A70, H2290A34, and A3508B02. The counterfeit Tecentriq batch was identified as B3071A12. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the batch numbers did not correspond to genuine Roche batches. The agency observed differences in artwork and printing quality, wrong placement of text, and incorrect variable data. Additionally, tamper-evident labels were inconsistent with genuine Roche products, and serial numbers did not correspond to the genuine Roche serialization system.
Health Risks
NAFDAC warned that counterfeit oncology medicines posed serious threats to public health. The agency stated: “Counterfeit oncology medicines may contain incorrect or no active ingredients, harmful contaminants, or incorrect dosage strength.” Furthermore, the agency cautioned: “This could result in treatment failure, disease progression, serious adverse events, or death.” Avastin is indicated for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma in adults, while Tecentriq is used to treat several advanced cancers including non-small cell lung cancer, extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and melanoma.
Regulatory Response
NAFDAC directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within their jurisdictions. The agency advised importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain. The public must obtain all medical products from authorized and licensed suppliers only.
