“We are aware of the unfortunate theft of a minor quantity of Novo Nordisk medications during transportation by our distribution partners. The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities, and we are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation,” the company said in a statement.
Novo said that they have taken additional measures along with their distribution partner and authorities to strengthen safeguards across their supply chain to prevent similar situations in the future.
“We remain committed to delivering safe and effective treatments for those who rely on us,” it said. Adding that patient safety is and will be their “top priority”.
“Our rigorous cold chain and quality assurance measures ensure medications are stored at the required temperature to maintain their integrity and effectiveness”.
As reported by ET on Friday the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had issued an alert to healthcare professionals to be careful in prescribing Novo Nordisk products after the company said some of its products, including weight-loss drug semaglutide and diabetes treatments insulin Aspart and Degludec, were stolen.
The central pharma regulator had also directed patients and consumers to be careful and procure their products from authorised sources only with due invoices.
The alert, issued Thursday, has also been sent to all state drug control offices with instructions of a strict vigil on the movement of the products in the market and initiate necessary action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The note says Novo Nordisk had informed about a theft of its products during transit from its Bhiwandi Hub to milk route (Nagpur, Raipur, Cuttack, and Kolkata).
The products under consideration are rDNA origin injectables which are required to be stored at a certain temperature and quality of the products may be compromised if the products are not handled in proper storage conditions.
