Mexico Cracks Down on Dubious 'Miracle' Drugs

Mexican drug regulator COFEPRIS claims that the advertising of widely-available "miracle products" is coming under control, with promotional material for 67 of the dubious treatments -- or roughly 90% of the total -- removed from the market in recent months.

The agency now expects the country's federal register to shortly include new powers to take action against marketers of such products. Official sources claim that the quasi-illicit industry has already reacted to the growing threat of tougher government action, with manufacturers terminating production of 12 products and a further 29 withdrawing promotional materials.

The government's increased willingness to move against "miracle products" is bringing official policy on the industry more into line with efforts to clamp down on Mexico's widespread copy drug sector. Counterfeiting was recently designated as a federal crime, carrying tougher penalties. However, officials have revealed that of 105 tonnes of drugs impounded from pharmacists this year, more than 75% were medical samples illicitly sold to consumers.