Sanofi-Aventis hit by drug thieves

Earlier this month, thieves in the USA made off with a trailer full of a product shipment from pharmaceutical firm Sanofi-Aventis, in yet another example of a raid on the medicines supply chain.

Figures from Freightwatch International (FWI) indicate that in 2008 pharmaceutical thefts in the USA rose by a third, with criminals actively targeting drug shipments “on an unprecedented scale” (see also Pharmaceutical cargo theft: a growing problem.)

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it has asked for help from pharmaceutical drug distributors and pharmacies, which may have received unsolicited or suspicious offers for the Sanofi-Aventis drug products, in tracing the stolen batches. They also urge those involved in the pharmaceutical supply chain to verify pedigrees received with any wholesale drug purchases.

“FDA is committed to protecting the public from receiving stolen drug products that may not have been stored and handled properly and may be dangerous for patients to use,” said the agency in a statement.

Several drug products were stolen, notably several batches of Sanofi-Aventis’ blood thinner Lovenox (enoxaparin) as well as quantities of the antihistamines Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Nasacort AQ nasal spray (triamcinolone) and the acne treatment BenzaClin Gel (clindamycin).

Full details of the batch and lot numbers are as follows:

• LOVENOX 120MG - batch/lot numbers: 12210, 12221, and 12218
• LOVENOX 30MG - batch/lot number: 29395
• LOVENOX 80MG - batch/lot number: 28534
• XYZAL 5MG - batch/lot number: 8047787
• NASACORT AQ 16.5G - batch/lot number: N09108A
• BENZACLIN GEL 50G PUMP - batch/lot number: 8047564

Thefts of medicines should be reported to the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), said the agency.