ECOMED Pharma Ltd, known for its quality pharmaceutical products and as the 2023 Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award winner, has denied any involvement in the production of a fake amoxycillin batch with the code 4C639001. This batch, flagged by NAFDAC for safety concerns, was reported to have caused severe side effects in patients.
NAFDAC issued a recall of the fake amoxycillin after reports emerged of adverse reactions, including drowsiness and extreme weakness, in patients who used the product. These reports were confirmed by Kowa Hospital, where three patients experienced severe symptoms after taking the drug.
Pharm. Ekene Christopher, the Managing Director of ECOMED Pharma, clarified that the fake batch was not produced by ECOMED. Instead, it was cloned by Divine Kings Pharmaceuticals, a marketing firm based in Lagos, which misused ECOMED’s name.
In May 2024, ECOMED produced 20 sample packs of DEEKINS AMOXYCILLIN for Divine Kings Pharmaceuticals as part of a contract to assist in NAFDAC license renewal. However, Divine Kings’ CEO, Mr. Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, allegedly produced counterfeit versions of the product. These fake drugs were distributed in large quantities without ECOMED’s knowledge or approval.
The issue came to light in November 2024, when reports of severe side effects were traced to the fake drugs. ECOMED acted quickly by investigating the matter, contacting the affected hospital, and notifying NAFDAC. A recall was immediately initiated, leading to the recovery of 790 counterfeit packets.
NAFDAC has since arrested Mr. Ekeanyanwu for his role in the illegal production and distribution of the fake drugs.
Pharm. Christopher assured the public that ECOMED remains committed to producing safe, high-quality medications. He emphasized that the company’s name has always stood for trust and excellence.
Looking ahead, ECOMED plans to strengthen its contract manufacturing processes by conducting thorough checks on business partners before signing agreements. This will help prevent similar incidents in the future.
