The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public alert warning healthcare providers and the general public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Avastin 400mg circulating in Nigeria.
In Public Alert No. 012/2026, the agency said the counterfeit products were identified following a report by the marketing authorisation holder, Roche, after an oncologist at a local hospital raised concerns about suspected fake vials of Avastin (400 mg/16 ml) bearing batch numbers K1830T71 and H0375B01.
According to NAFDAC, the complaint sample was compared with a genuine retained sample in the EFA (English, French and Arabic) packaging format because the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) on the suspect product’s folding box corresponded with the EFA presentation.
The investigation revealed several discrepancies that confirmed the product was counterfeit. Among the findings were that the listed batch numbers do not exist in Roche’s official database, making it impossible to trace the lot.
The agency also noted that the packaging artwork contained incorrect text and spelling errors, while the variable product data was inaccurate and inconsistently placed. In addition, the tamper-evident labels did not match genuine Roche materials, and the serial number on the complaint sample did not correspond with any authentic Roche serial numbers.
“These findings clearly indicate the presence of counterfeit packaging,” the agency said.
Avastin, whose generic name is Bevacizumab, is used in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma in adults and works as an anti-angiogenic therapy designed to starve tumours by blocking their blood supply.
NAFDAC advised healthcare professionals, distributors and consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected sale or distribution of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Suspected cases can also be reported through the agency’s hotline 0800-162-3322 or via email at sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
