FDA probes fake rabies vaccines found in Taguig

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the contents of suspected falsified anti-rabies vaccines discovered in Taguig.

In an interview on dzBB on Saturday, lawyer Khay Magundayao, FDA spokesperson, said authorities acted on search warrants and raided a residential area operating without a license.

Magundayao said officials recovered several anti-rabies vaccines, repackaging materials, as well as anti-tetanus and hepatitis B vaccines.

“Ang sabi sa atin ng mga accused ay lehitimo naman daw po ang mga kinukuha nilang bakuna… Ang nakakabahala po rito ay hindi ito dumaan sa proper cold chain management.

(The accused claimed the vaccines they sourced were legitimate. However, what is alarming is that these did not go through proper cold chain management.)

"Ibig sabihin, wala tayong nakitang medical-grade refrigerator sa loob, kaya medyo alarming,” she said.

(We did not find any medical-grade refrigerator on site.)

The FDA is now examining whether the vaccine contents consist only of water or powder. Magundayao noted that the products were not stored in proper medical-grade facilities or biorefrigerators.

Authorities also said those apprehended claimed they were unaware that vaccines must be stored in biorefrigerators.

“Siyempre, nababawasan ang efficacy at potency nito. Ibig sabihin, very questionable na ang safety nito para sa mga mababakunahan,” she added.

(Of course, its efficacy and potency are reduced, making its safety highly questionable for those who may receive it.)

Magundayao said investigators are also looking into the suspects’ motives, noting that the products were sold at significantly lower prices than those distributed by authorized market holders.

“Inaalam pa po natin ang motibo, pero malinaw na mas mura ito kumpara sa mga lehitimong bakuna,” she said.

The FDA also recovered delivery notebooks and distribution lists, which will be used to trace individuals who may have received the vaccines.

“Ginagawa na po natin ang mga susunod na hakbang para matiyak na hindi na kumalat pa ang mga pekeng bakunang ito, dahil itinuturing na itong falsified products,” she said.

(We are now taking the necessary next steps to ensure that these fake vaccines no longer spread, as they are already considered falsified products.)—MCG, GMA Integrated News