Cancer drug ‘Avastin Injection’ improperly used for ocular treatments: Minister  

Caretaker Provincial Health Minister Dr. Javed Akram disclosed that Avastin injection, originally manufactured as a cancer drug, was improperly used for ocular treatments, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.  

Addressing a joint press conference along with caretaker Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr. Jamal Nasir in Lahore on Monday, he said sixty-eight patients have suffered the loss of vision following the administration of Avastin injection in the province.  

The minister said that experts from Britain and Singaporean have been requested to help investigate the matter.  

The health department has also sought the cooperation of the pharmaceutical company, Roche, responsible for the development of the injection. He continued that Police DIG Investigation was actively involved in the case.

Dr Javed Akram said that initial findings indicate a single source of contamination; however, no bacteria were detected in the injection or any of the equipment used, including syringes and water. There was no problem with Roche's injection and blocked batches will be released soon. 

The investigation suggests that infection may have arisen from improper storage practices by the company responsible for transporting the injection.

The provincial minister noted that the day this injection was transported, heavy rainfall occurred in Lahore, possibly affecting the injection sent to Bahawalpur by Daewoo Company.

The initial investigation has reportedly detected the chronic problems in repackaging (compounding) the Avastin drug and its supply and the maintenance of the cold chain that led to the outbreak of the disease in Punjab.

Reporter: Zahid Chaudhry