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Anvisa seizes falsified cancer drug Phesgo and Dysport batches
Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has ordered the seizure of falsified batches of the breast cancer drug Phesgo (lot B5011B05) and three batches of the botulinum toxin Dysport. Manufacturers Roche and Beaufour Ipsen confirmed the identified lots do not match original product characteristics.
Parallel to these sanitary measures, police are investigating a criminal network involving doctors, lawyers, and public servants suspected of defrauding cancer medication procurement. The scheme, which has impacted patients in at least four states—Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Ceará—allegedly involved bid-rigging and the distribution of adulterated or unregistered high-cost drugs.
In Rio Grande do Sul, businessman Lisandro Henriques Hermes was arrested after police discovered boxes of medication showing signs of tampering. Investigations revealed that some patients were directed to specific lawyers to seek judicial authorization for medications, which were then supplied through fraudulent channels. The impact on patients has been severe, with reports of treatment interruptions and health deterioration.
Entities
Anvisa · Beaufour Ipsen Farmacêutica · Brasil · Brazil · Hospital de Câncer de Mato Grosso · Lisandro Henriques Hermes · Polícia Civil · Queen Pharma Aesthetic · Roche · Santa Casa de Caridade de São Gabriel · Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Mato Grosso do Sul
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The fraudulent scheme operated in at least four Brazilian states: Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Ceará. contilnetnoticias.com.br · www.jd1noticias.com · ubirataonline.com.br
- [● 15 SOURCES] Anvisa ordered the seizure of falsified batches of the breast cancer drug Phesgo (lot B5011B05). www.folhabv.com.br · esportenaredemt.com.br · www.jcatibaia.com.br · chumbogrossomanaus.com.br · correiodecarajas.com.br · +10 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Businessman Lisandro Henriques Hermes was arrested after police found boxes of medication with signs of tampering. contilnetnoticias.com.br · www.mixvale.com.br · ubirataonline.com.br
- [● 15 SOURCES] Anvisa prohibited the use and sale of falsified batches of the botulinum toxin medication Dysport. www.folhabv.com.br · esportenaredemt.com.br · www.jcatibaia.com.br · chumbogrossomanaus.com.br · correiodecarajas.com.br · +10 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Mato Grosso Court of Accounts ordered the state to maintain funding and services for the Mato Grosso Cancer Hospital until December 31, 2026.
- [● 5 SOURCES] A criminal network involving businessmen, doctors, lawyers, and public servants is being investigated for fraud in cancer medication procurement. contilnetnoticias.com.br · www.jd1noticias.com · www.mixvale.com.br · ultimosegundo.ig.com.br · ubirataonline.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The fraudulent scheme involving cancer medications in Mato Grosso do Sul generated over R$ 70 million in revenue between 2021 and 2025. ultimosegundo.ig.com.br
- [● 15 SOURCES] Anvisa suspended the online advertising of compounded medicines sold by Queen Pharma Aesthetic. esportenaredemt.com.br · www.jcatibaia.com.br · chumbogrossomanaus.com.br · correiodecarajas.com.br · www.folhabv.com.br · +10 more