PHOTOS OF THE FALSIFIED LUCENTIS (RANIBIZUMAB) INJECTION BATCH NUMBERS 18862110 AND 18802112
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has detected two falsified batches of Lucentis (ranibizumab) 0.3mg injection in circulation in Kenya.
Healthcare professionals must verify stock authenticity before dispensing and quarantine any suspected falsified product. Procurement agencies, hospitals, distributors and the public should report immediately any encounter with batch numbers 18862110 and 18802112.
The falsified product, which misleadingly claims to be manufactured by Genentech, was identified through post-marketing surveillance. A comparison with genuine product supplied by Novartis Overseas Investment AG revealed multiple discrepancies: the label states “Lucentis” rather than the registered Kenyan brand “Patizra”; the strength is listed as 0.3mg rather than 10mg/mL; the vial is dark amber rather than clear glass; and the batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date do not match genuine records.
The PPB warned that the falsified injection may contain incorrect amounts of active ingredient, no active ingredient, harmful contaminants or undeclared substances, and may not provide the intended therapeutic effect.
The Board has arrested one individual found in possession of the falsified product. Investigations continue to establish the source, point of entry into Kenya, and extent of distribution. The PPB stated it will take firm regulatory and legal action against all persons involved in manufacture, importation, distribution or supply of falsified health products.
The authority urged all supply chain stakeholders to procure exclusively from PPB-licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers, and to maintain appropriate records. It noted that procuring from unlicensed sources endangers patients and violates the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Cap 244.
Reports may be submitted through the online portal at pv.pharmacyboardkenya.org/users/mpublic, the mPvERS mobile application, by email to pv@ppb.go.ke or pms@ppb.go.ke, or by telephone on 0795743049.
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya, “Public Alert: Falsified Lucentis (Ranibizumab) 0.3mg Injection Batch Numbers 18862110 and 18802112 Identified in the Kenyan Market”, 24 September 2026: https://web.pharmacyboardkenya.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Public-alert_Falsified_Lucentis.pdf
