Gilead states that its HIV Drug Counterfeiting Network has sold 250 million worth of HIV Drugs

Gilead Sciences Inc stated Tuesday that counterfeit and altered HIV treatments worth $250 million were offered to pharmacies by a network distributors and suppliers over two years.

In August, the drugmaker disclosed that Descovy and Biktarvy distributors that were not authorized to sell Gilead’s HIV treatments have sold counterfeits to pharmacies. These counterfeit Gilead bottles were altered with foil induction labels or labels , and contained tablets that were not correct.

“After becoming aware of counterfeit Gilead HIV medication being sold, we informed federal law enforcement authorities including the FDA as well as pharmacies that dispense the medicine, and immediately took legal action,” a Gilead spokesperson announced on Tuesday.

Gilead said that the distributors against whom it filed a lawsuit it had sold 85,247 bottles counterfeit HIV drugs.

Reporting by Manas Mishrira in Bengaluru; Editing By Amy Caren Daniel

Reuters Health Information (c), 2022 Reuters Ltd.

Reuters explicitly prohibits reproduction or distribution, including by framing or other similar methods for Reuters content without prior written consent. Reuters is not responsible for any errors or delays, or actions taken in reliance on the content. Reuters and the Reuters logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the globe.