MEXICO REDOUBLES CAMPAIGN AGAINST BOGUS DRUGS

Mexico's drug regulator, COFEPRIS, has claimed success in removing so-called "miracle drugs" from the market. A new television campaign has been launched, following assurances that over 90% of all bogus products have now been withdrawn, in co-operation with US and Canadian regulators.

The government has also signed an agreement on the issue with television advertisers, and fines of MXN5mn (US$0.48mn) have been imposed on manufacturers of suspect products. The moves are symbolic of Mexico's recent success in introducing a modern regulatory system. Recent reforms to the country's General Health Law have included mandatory bioequivalence, as well as five-year data exclusivity and restrictions on non-pharmacy OTC sales.