Chinese pharma unaffected by drug recalls

According to the FDA, approximately 19 people have died recently from allergic reactions linked to contaminated shipments of heparin, a blood thinner, imported from China. China itself has reported a number of drug injury cases caused by contamination of a leukemia drug. Sidney Wolfe, director of Public Citizen’s Health Research Group, has predicted an increase in the drug injury cases resulting from the Chinese drug imports, as the FDA hampered by shortage of funds, rarely inspects Chinese plants. But many Western drug firms believe that incidents like the heparin contamination are isolated issues and contend that quality standards in China are on par with the global requirements.

As per the records from the International Trade Administration, part of the US Department of Commerce, US drug imports from China have quadrupled in the past five years to $401 million in 2007. And more than 3000 Chinese companies have sought registration with the FDA to market their medical devices in the US.

In spite of the quality and safety concerns of its medical products, the Chinese market due to its low operating expenses and high profit margins has largely captivated the global pharmaceutical companies. By serving as a gateway to the Asian markets, China has prioritized its position in the global pharmaceutical industry.