The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has suspended the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification of Aveo Pharmaceuticals, an Indian drug manufacturer, following claims it was involved in the illegal distribution of opioid-based drugs to West Africa.

The suspension comes after an investigation by BBC Africa Eye revealed that Aveo Pharmaceuticals, via the company Westfin International, allegedly exported unapproved medications containing the opioids tapentadol and carisoprodol to countries including Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

These substances, which are highly addictive and pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure and death when abused, are now at the centre of the FDA’s crackdown on illicit drug distribution.

In response to the investigation, the FDA has instructed Ghana-based Samos Pharma to halt all business dealings with Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International. The authority has also suspended the registration process for six products from Masters Pharmaceutical Limited, which had planned to use Aveo Pharmaceuticals as a contract manufacturer.

The FDA reiterated its commitment to tackling opioid abuse, noting that it will continue its enforcement actions, which include drug seizures, fines, and legal actions against unauthorized distributors. The authority also emphasized its ongoing collaboration with law enforcement to prevent the entry of dangerous drugs into the country.

This move signals Ghana’s firm stance on tackling illicit drug trafficking and further strengthens efforts to protect public health.

Source:TheDotNews