“Vaccine scandal: China detains 37 suspects as senior official admits to problems in drug system”

23 March, 2016

A senior official at China’s drug safety regulator has admitted to failings in the nation’s vaccine distribution network after 37 people were detained over a scandal ­involving improperly stored or transported medicine worth 570 million yuan…

Wu Zhen, deputy director of the China Food and Drug Administration…[said] that the scandal indicated a problematic system of vaccine production and distribution.

The administration has come under fire after it was revealed a 47-year-old woman, charged in connection with the illegally traded vaccines, had bought and sold vaccines worth a total of 570 million yuan with the involvement of 300 dealers in 24 provinces since 2010…

The vaccine – for use by children and adults – had been produced by licensed manufacturers. But the medication, some of which had been near to its expiry date, was not properly stored or transported at the required cold temperature, raising fears that it could lose its effectiveness when administered.

The CFDA said 13 mainland pharmaceutical wholesalers had been found to be involved in the scandal…

…China office of the World Health Organisation said vaccines had to be stored and managed properly or they could become less effective…