The Managing Director of Divine Kings Pharmaceutical Limited, Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, has been apprehended over allegations of distributing substandard Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules, which have reportedly caused serious adverse reactions among patients.
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Adeyeye, the investigation into the substandard capsules, produced by Ecomed Pharma Ltd., began following reports from hospitals across Nigeria about patients experiencing adverse drug reactions.
“If we see bad actors, we go after them, we shut them down. We inspect their facility.
“If they don’t meet Good Manufacturing Practices, we shut them down temporarily or permanently, depending on the gravity,” Adeyeye said.
While the marketing authorization holder, Divine Kings Pharmaceutical Limited, claimed that all products were manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd., the investigation has revealed discrepancies.
Adeyeye explained that Ecomed Pharma Ltd. admitted to producing only 20 packets of the affected batch (Batch No. 4C639001) for registration renewal purposes.
However, 790 packets of the same batch were recalled, raising questions about their origin.
Additionally, Ecomed Pharma Ltd. acknowledged manufacturing 1,961 packets under a different batch number (Batch No. 4C639002).
The suspect, Ekeanyanwu, along with Pharm Ekene Christopher of Ecomed Pharma Ltd., is under scrutiny as NAFDAC continues its investigation.
Quality Control and Production Managers have also been invited for questioning, and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has been informed of the developments.
The recalled products have been sent for laboratory analysis, with further actions dependent on the findings.
In light of the situation, NAFDAC has issued a public advisory, warning against the use of Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules.
“Anyone in possession of the affected lot is advised to immediately discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office,” Adeyeye urged.
Healthcare providers, distributors, and patients were also encouraged to verify the authenticity of medications and report any adverse reactions or suspected substandard products.
The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health, promising swift action against pharmaceutical malpractice.
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