NAFDAC Seizes Substandard BPPL Artemether/Lumefantrine in Nigeria

• NAFDAC has seized suspected substandard and falsified BPPL Artemether/Lumefantrine 80mg/480mg in Nigeria.
• The product was intercepted during an inspection of imported goods at the port of entry.
• Healthcare providers and distributors are advised to verify the authenticity of imported antimalarial medications to avoid liability for selling substandard or falsified products.
• NAFDAC's action highlights the need for vigilance in the importation and distribution of medicines to protect public health.

The seizure is a significant concern for healthcare providers and distributors, as it highlights the risk of substandard or falsified medicines entering the Nigerian market. This can have serious consequences for patients who rely on these medications to treat malaria.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized a suspected substandard and falsified antimalarial medicine, Artemether/Lumefantrine 80mg/480mg. The product was intercepted during an inspection of imported goods at the port of entry in Nigeria. According to NAFDAC, the medicine was purportedly manufactured by Bandaram Pharma Packleh Ltd (BPPL), India, but its authenticity and quality are being questioned.

The seizure is a significant concern for healthcare providers and distributors, as it highlights the risk of substandard or falsified medicines entering the Nigerian market. This can have serious consequences for patients who rely on these medications to treat malaria.

NAFDAC's role in regulating food and drug products is governed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 2008. The agency has the power to inspect and seize any product that does not meet the required standards or is suspected of being substandard or falsified. In this case, NAFDAC's action is a clear demonstration of its commitment to protecting public health by ensuring that only safe and effective medicines are available in Nigeria.

The seizure also raises questions about the responsibility of importers and distributors who may have knowingly or unknowingly allowed substandard or falsified products into the market. Healthcare providers and distributors should be aware of their liability for selling such products and take necessary steps to verify the authenticity of imported antimalarial medications.

The seizure of suspected substandard and falsified BPPL Artemether/Lumefantrine 80mg/480mg highlights the need for vigilance in the importation and distribution of medicines. Healthcare providers and distributors must take proactive steps to ensure that only authentic and high-quality products are available to patients.

This is particularly important for antimalarial medications, which are essential for treating a life-threatening disease. The consequences of using substandard or falsified medicines can be severe, including increased risk of treatment failure, resistance, and even death. By verifying the authenticity of imported antimalarial medications, healthcare providers and distributors can help prevent these risks and protect public health.

Healthcare providers and distributors should verify the authenticity of imported antimalarial medications, particularly those from Bandaram Pharma Packleh Ltd (BPPL), India, to avoid liability for selling substandard or falsified products.

Source: Original reporting via Public Alert No. 042/2026-Alert on the Seizure of Suspected Substandard and Falsified BPPL Artemether/Lumefantrine 80mg/480mg