(Sources: Securingindustry.com, BBC.com)
In recent years, the selling of substandard and counterfeit cough syrups has increased dramatically. As a result, a trial has commenced in Uzbekistan concerning over 65 reported child deaths associated with contaminated cough syrups.
The contaminated cough syrups were manufactured by Indian drug company, Marion Biotech, and distributed by Quramax Medical in Uzbekistan. The World Health Organization reported that two Marion Biotech cough syrups, Ambronol and Dok-1 Max, contain unacceptable amounts of contaminants. Diethylene glycol (DEG) was found in these cough syrups which is extremely toxic upon oral ingestion. DEG is used in a variety of products such as antifreeze and brake fluid.
Marion Biotech has since had their manufacturing licenses permanently cancelled. The Uzbekistan court sentenced 23 people to prison over these deaths, with charges such as the sale of substandard and counterfeit medicines.
