Patients at Risk as Fake Cancer Treatment Drug Hits Kenyan Market

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a public alert over a falsified batch of a cancer treatment drug circulating in the Kenyan market, raising safety concerns for patients and healthcare providers.

According to a public alert released on May 25, 2026, routine post-marketing surveillance detected a falsified product in circulation.

“During the course of these surveillance activities, the Board has identified a falsified batch of Phesgo (Pertuzumab/Trastuzumab), Batch Number C5290S20, currently circulating in the Kenyan market,” the alert read.

First, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board confirmed that the batch number does not match any authentic Roche production record. This finding immediately raised concerns about the legitimacy of the product.

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Pharmacy and Poisons Board Raises Concern Over Powder Formulation Instead of Liquid Injection

Next, the Board flagged a major deviation in the product’s physical form.

Unlike the approved Phesgo medicine, which comes as a ready-to-use liquid injection, the falsified version appears in powder form.

This difference strongly suggests tampering or illegal manufacturing.

The regulator noted that genuine Phesgo should appear as a clear to slightly brownish liquid solution designed for subcutaneous administration, not a reconstituted powder.

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Board Highlights Major Authenticity Gaps in Suspected Falsified Medicine

Additionally, the PPB warned that the product presents serious risks because authorities cannot verify its composition, safety or effectiveness.

It stressed that patients relying on cancer treatment face heightened danger if they use the falsified batch.

To contain the threat, the Board directed all stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain to stop handling the affected product immediately and report any encounters.

“Procurement agencies, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, all healthcare professionals and members of the public should immediately stop the distribution and use of Phesgo (Pertuzumab/Trastuzumab), Batch Number C5290S20 and report any encounter with this falsified batch,” the Board directed.

The PPB further urged healthcare providers and suppliers to procure medicines strictly from licensed sources.

It warned that illegal supply channels increase the risk of counterfeit medicines entering the health system.

At the same time, the Board confirmed that it will work with investigative agencies to take legal action against individuals or entities linked to the distribution of falsified health products.

Further, the regulator encouraged the public to report suspected medicines through official channels, including its online portal, USSD code *271#, mobile application, email and telephone contacts.

Finally, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring access to safe and effective medicines across the country.

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Pharmacy and Poisons Board has issued an alert on a falsified batch of Phesgo (Batch C5290S20) in Kenya on May 25, 2026. The fake contains white powder instead of liquid and poses serious risks. PHOTO/ Poisons Board X