Public Alert No. 036/2026 – Alert on Suspected Counterfeit Products Mimicking Forxiga® (Dapagliflozin)

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria has issued a public alert regarding suspected counterfeit medicinal products that mimic Forxiga® (dapagliflozin), manufactured by AstraZeneca. The alert follows market surveillance activities conducted by NAFDAC, which identified products bearing names closely resembling the approved marketing authorization of Forxiga. This development highlights concerns over counterfeiting and infringement on intellectual property rights in the Nigerian pharmaceutical market.

The detection of suspected counterfeit medicinal products that infringe on the approved marketing authorization of Forxiga (dapagliflozin) has significant implications for public health, intellectual property rights, and regulatory oversight. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria has taken proactive measures to inform the public about this issue, underscoring the importance of vigilance and cooperation between regulatory agencies and manufacturers in preventing counterfeiting. This article provides an overview of the alert issued by NAFDAC and its implications for stakeholders in the Nigerian pharmaceutical market.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is responsible for regulating food, drug, and related products in Nigeria. As part of its mandate, NAFDAC conducts regular market surveillance activities to detect and prevent counterfeiting and infringement on intellectual property rights. The agency's actions are guided by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 2008, which empowers NAFDAC to regulate the importation, exportation, sale, and distribution of food and drug products in Nigeria.

The implications of this alert extend beyond public health concerns to include economic and reputational risks for manufacturers and regulatory agencies. Counterfeit products can compromise patient safety, damage brand reputation, and undermine trust in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, it is essential for stakeholders to work together to prevent counterfeiting and protect intellectual property rights.

As stakeholders in the Nigerian pharmaceutical market, it is essential to take proactive measures to prevent counterfeiting and protect intellectual property rights. This includes strengthening regulations, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and educating consumers about the risks associated with counterfeit products.